The HAI welcomes the news that the Dáil will vote on the recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying. The Committee’s report was published last March and made 38 recommendations to legislate for assisted dying in certain controlled circumstances, with adequate safeguards.

The final report was debated in the Dáil yesterday and thanks to Gino Kenny, it will be voted on next Wednesday. The vote will only be an indicative vote of how TDs view the topic of assisted dying and legislation would still have to be brought in by a subsequent Dáil. The HAI urges all TDs to vote in a compassionate manner

The HAI believes that we in Ireland should join the increasing number of countries who have legislated for assisted dying for the terminally ill and incurably suffering. Evidence shows that the majority of people who choose to die have exhausted the palliative care measures available to them. Others know that they may have an assisted death, but choose not to do so. These individuals testify to the peace of mind that they gain by knowing this option was available to them. We all would like a natural, peaceful death. When that option is not a possibility, which of us would not like to know that if our suffering became unbearable, the option of an assisted, painless death will be open to us. An Amárach poll in December 2021 showed that 74% of Irish people are in favour of Assisted Dying. Let us make this a reality.