July 2023 Event: Assisted Dying in Ireland

Assisted Dying Campaign

Gino was the speaker at our July event, on the subject of assisted dying in Ireland. Gino became interested in politics in his 20s, and he wanted to join a political party that would represent the disadvantaged and the working class. In 2016, he was elected a TD. Since then, he has actively campaigned on social issues, including housing and abortion. In October 2020, Gino presented the Dying with Dignity Private Members Bill, and he is currently a member of the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying.

Gino Kenny TD

Gino has always been interested in the issue of assisted dying. He worked as a carer and saw many difficult situations. The greatest influence came from the movie “Whose life is it, anyway?”. In 2020, he introduced the Dying with Dignity Bill, that was similar to the Private Member’s Bill by Independent TD John Halligan from 2015.

Gino noted that while the issue of assisted dying is moving very slowly, he is happy it is at the Committee stage. He believes there is an indication of the public’s support for legislative change regarding assisted dying in Ireland.

Gino was asked to give an update on the work of the Oireachtas Special Committee on Assisted Dying. He said the meetings so far have gone very well, and explained that the Committee will run for nine months. There are 24 public meetings with six modules to look at matters such as safeguards, international context and others. He also pointed out that the Committee might be limited in regard to what legislative change it can bring. When asked about the possibility of a referendum on assisted dying in Ireland, Gino said he did not think a referendum would happen, and he did not think it was needed. However, even if a referendum did happen, he believes people would support the change in legislation.

While talking about emphasis on criteria, conditions and safeguarding relating to assisted dying, he mentioned the Catholic Church being opposed to assisted dying, and spreading fear.

Gino’s talk was followed by questions from people attending the event.

A recording of the talk is available to view here on our YouTube channel