Joint Committee on Assisted Dying to meet on the topic of protecting vulnerable individuals from coercion

The following representatives are due to appear:
Representatives from the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland
Representatives from the National Suicide Research Foundation
Dr Léopold Vanbellingen, European Institute of Bioethics

The Committee will also show a video submission from Mr Brendan Clarke

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Healy-Rae said: “We welcome the opportunity to discuss the topic of protecting vulnerable individuals from coercion in the context of assisted dying legislation. This is the second public meeting in a series of four in the Committee’s module examining potential safeguards in relation to assisted dying.”

“There are a number of categories of vulnerable people who may be at risk of coercion with regards to assisted dying; including elderly people who are dependent, people suffering from mental illnesses, and healthcare workers.

“The Committee has previously heard concerns around how to differentiate between someone experiencing suicidal ideation and those who wish to avail of assisted dying and the ethical dilemmas that ethical dilemmas that may be faced by healthcare workers if assisted dying is introduced.”

“We look forward to discussing these and other related matters with representatives.”

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