Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has said that the issue of assisted suicide is “very complex” and gives rise to “challenging issues” in the area of criminal justice.
Speaking in response to a parliamentary question this week, the Fianna Fáil Minister said that a decision has not yet been taken regarding any proposed legislative or other actions.
“No decision has been taken, as of yet, as regards any proposed legislative, or other actions, to be taken,” O’Callaghan said.
“The issue of assisted dying is very complex, requiring careful consideration of medical, ethical and cultural issues.”
O’Callaghan added that the matter also gives rise to challenging issues in the areas of criminal justice and constitutional law.
He was responding to a question from Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, who asked if the Government would legislate for the practice.
Dublin West TD Ruth Coppinger noted that the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Assisted Dying had recommended legalising the practice in certain circumstances.
“The Committee published its Final Report on the 20th of March 2024,” O’Callaghan said.
“The Committee’s report recommends that the Government introduce legislation to allow for assisted dying in certain restricted circumstances.”
O’Callaghan stated that it is now a matter for the Government to determine how to progress the issue.
The Minister also noted that the Government must decide which Department will take the lead role in the matter.
The Joint Committee on Assisted Dying was established in January 2023 to consider recommendations for legislative and policy change.
Following the publication of its report, the Dáil voted by 76 to 53 to note the findings on 23rd of October 2024.
The report recommended that eligibility be limited to those with an incurable and progressive illness likely to cause death within six months. The timeframe was extended to 12 months for those with neurodegenerative conditions.
A minority report was also launched by three members of the committee, including Chairman Michael Healy-Rae, Independent Senator Ronan Mullen, and Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy, who opposed the introduction of the legislation.
Critics have argued that even if such legislation is initially restrictive, it could be expanded in the future and would result in a slippery slope, as has been seen in other jurisdictions such as Canada’s controversial ‘MAID’ system, wherein people can receive assisted suicide for non-terminal social conditions, including social isolation and fears of becoming homeless.
Meanwhile, advocates argue that individuals should have autonomy over whether to make the choice to end their own lives medically.