Sir, – Last week the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying published its final report on its nine-month deliberations examining the complex issue of assisted dying. Over 24 public meetings, more than 100 witnesses came before the committee, conveying a wide range of opinions on the issue. The committee proposed 38 recommendations and, crucially, 11 of the 14 members supported assisted dying – in principle.
The committee’s views reflect public opinion which clearly indicates support for legislating for assisted dying. Those witnesses who came before the committee voiced views for and against, as well as a neutral position, on the proposed introduction of assisted dying in this country. There were robust discussions at the committee, but members never steered into the divisiveness of other contentious issues.
One of the important pieces of the committee’s work was to examine the international experience from several jurisdictions were assisted dying has been legislated for. It was noted that variations existed in terms of eligibility and permissibility in those jurisdictions that gave testimony to the committee.
In my opinion, the best contemporary model the committee and Ireland can learn from is New Zealand and Australia. Several of the key recommendations in the final report speak to the model in those countries.
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The report is a significant step in navigating and guiding legislators to put in place preparations for legislation to progress this issue. We owe it to those that have bravely campaigned so that people, who are facing very difficult circumstances, can have the right to choose, on their own terms, how they die.– Yours, etc,
GINO KENNY TD,
People Before Profit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2.