Dear Editor,
Recently, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying published their concluding report after a thorough nine-month analysis of the intricate issue of assisted dying. The committee had over 24 public hearings and heard the views of more than 100 people who represented an array of standpoints on the matter. In their final report, they put forth 38 suggestions, with a key point being that 11 out of the 14 committee members were generally in agreement with assisted dying.
The committee’s findings mirror widespread public sentiment which shows predominant support for the enactment of laws regarding assisted dying. Individuals who testified in front of the committee expressed diverse perspectives, ranging from pro and anti-views, to a neutral stance on the potential institution of assisted dying in our country. Despite the heated dialogues at the committee, its members successfully avoided inflaming the contentiousness seen with other hot-button issues.
The committee committed to studying the international laws regarding assisted dying in various jurisdictions, which was a noteworthy aspect of their work. It was pointed out that there were differences in eligibility and permissibility among those jurisdictions that presented evidence to the committee.
I submit that the finest modern examples for Ireland and the committee to draw upon are those of New Zealand and Australia. Several crucial suggestions in the closing report allude to the models used in these countries.
This report paves the way for lawmakers, giving them guidance on preparations to advance this issue through legislation. We are indebted to the fearless campaigners who have fought for the right of individuals under severe distress to determine the circumstances of their own demise on their own terms.
Best Regards,
Gino Kenny TD,
People Before Profit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2.