Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
94. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of assisted suicide and euthanasia; her plans for changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17225/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is an offence, under section 2(2) of the Criminal Law (Suicide) Act 1993, to assist another person in taking his or her life. The term euthanasia generally implies the intentional termination of a life by another at the request of a person wishing to die and could, therefore, be considered a form of assisted suicide. The 1993 Act provides for a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment on conviction on indictment for assisted suicide. The purpose of this legislation is to protect people who are nearing the end of their lives and might be vulnerable or at risk of abuse. Prosecutions under section 2(2) are at the discretion of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of section 2(2) in its judgment in Fleming v Ireland and Others on 29 April 2013. The Government currently has no plans to bring forward legislative proposals in this area.
