Joint Committee on Assisted Dying to hold first public meeting

The Joint Committee on Assisted Dying has been formed to consider and make recommendations for legislative and policy change relating to a statutory right to assist a person to end his or her life (assisted dying) and a statutory right to receive such assistance. This may also mean that no changes are recommended.

The Committee held a number of meetings in private session in order to formalise a work programme and agree on the topics to be discussed in the public meetings.

The Committee shall report to both the Dáil and Seanad within nine months of its first public meeting.

Officials from the Department of Justice and the Irish Human Rights Equality Commission (IHREC)] will appear at the first meeting.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Healy-Rae said: “Tomorrow is the first opportunity for the Committee to engage with stakeholders regarding the legal and constitutional context in Ireland in relation to assisted dying.”

“The Committee is eager to work together and with stakeholders on this complex and important issue.

“The Committee will hold public meetings and engage with a wide range of stakeholders on issues around assisted dying such as ethical and professional issues, and potential safeguards and potential consequences.”

Watch the Committee proceedings live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.

Notes to Editor

Committee membership: Michael Healy-Rae TD (Independent), Sorca Clarke TD (Sinn Féin), Patrick Costello TD (Green Party), Pa Daly TD (Sinn Féin), Alan Farrell TD (Fine Gael), Emer Higgins TD (Fine Gael), Gino Kenny TD (People Before Profit-Solidarity), John Lahart (Fianna Fáil), Robert Troy (Fianna Fáil), Senator Annie Hoey (Labour Party), Senator Rónán Mullen (Independent), Senator Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fáil), Senator Lynn Ruane (Independent), Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael).

The Committee held its first private meeting in April 2023 and plans to hold five public meetings each Tuesday until the Dáil summer recess and will resume its public meetings in September.

The Committee does not currently intend to carry out an open call for submissions.