Joint Committee on Assisted Dying to discuss assisted dying in Europe with representatives from Switzerland and the Netherlands

The following representatives are due to appear:

Dr Theo Boer - (Netherlands) Professor of Healthcare Ethics, Protestant Theological University Groningen (2005-2014 Member of a Regional Review Committee on Euthanasia).

Ludwig Minelli and Silvan Luley, representatives from Dignitas Switzerland

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Healy-Rae said: “We welcome the opportunity to discuss legal protections and sanctions in relation to assisted dying in two European jurisdictions – Switzerland and the Netherlands.”

“The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalise euthanasia under strict conditions since 2002 and all cases of euthanasia must be reported to medical review boards while Switzerland has allowed assisted dying since 1942.”

“We look forward to discussing legal frameworks on assisted dying in Europe and the learnings from three representatives from jurisdictions where assisted dying is in place.”

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