The Dáil Vote Yes for Assisted Dying Legislation

By Jess Donohue

Following a recent vote in Dáil Éireann, the government has formally acknowledged the Oireachtas report supporting assisted dying, with a notable majority voting in favour. The decision saw 76 TDs backing the report and 53 opposing it, reflecting strong support from political groups such as Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, and People Before Profit.

The report has sparked widespread debate, drawing mixed reactions from both politicians and medical organisations. The 15-member committee that crafted the report represented a broad spectrum of views, including independent TDs as well as members from Fine Gael, Labour, Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil, the Green Party, and People Before Profit. Committee members opposing assisted dying include Cathaoirleach Michael Healy-Rae, Senator Rónán Mullen, and Fianna Fáil’s Robert Troy. Senator Mullen voiced concerns about the impact on vulnerable individuals, warning that “any advertising or initiation of conversations around assisted dying could endanger vulnerable and suggestible persons coping with terminal illness, it could also leave them more exposed to the risk of coercion” [1].

Healy-Rae has similarly described assisted dying as a “very serious” and “complex” issue, calling for a public debate as thorough as that surrounding the abortion referendum [2]. On the other side, People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny advocates for legalising assisted dying, framing the choice to end one’s life amid suffering as a fundamental issue of bodily autonomy. “At the very heart of this debate are those who may find themselves in a situation where they want to die on their own terms,” Kenny argues [3].

Many leading medical organisations and professional bodies in Ireland oppose the legalisation of euthanasia. The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) has formally stated its opposition to “any legislation supportive of assisted suicide because it is contrary to best medical practice,” adding that the “introduction of legislation on assisted suicide has the potential for immense harm and unintended consequences. These consequences are not theoretical; they are based on experience in jurisdictions where assisted suicide/euthanasia has been introduced” [4].

Dr. Ní Bhriain, representing the HSE during the final committee meeting, highlighted concerns regarding vulnerable citizens, telling the committee that some groups “are at particular risk of seeing themselves as a burden – and are at risk of being subject to paternalism and coercion” [5]. Advocates for expanding Ireland’s palliative care infrastructure argue that adequate pain management and support can eliminate the perceived need for assisted dying.

Conversely, a small number of medical organisations support legalising euthanasia, grounded in strong beliefs about patient autonomy. The Irish Doctors supporting Medical Assistance in Dying (IDsMAiD) expresses that “every citizen should be able to access their choice of medical care, including palliative care and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). Patients’ individual choices should be discussed, encouraged, and promoted. Any genuine choice by a patient, including MAiD, should be respected and supported” [6].

Additionally, End of Life Ireland advocates for legislative change to permit assisted dying, arguing that the legal system should adapt to support individuals facing incurable and progressive illnesses who wish to control their end-of-life decisions [7]. These groups reflect a shift within certain sectors of Irish medicine toward supporting assisted dying options, although the overall medical community remains divided on the issue. In contrast, the stance in Northern Ireland is markedly different. Assisting someone in taking their own life, or attempting to do so, is illegal and punishable by up to 14 years in prison. This prohibition is similarly enforced across the rest of the UK, where euthanasia and assisted suicide are classified as manslaughter or murder, carrying penalties of up to life imprisonment.

Recently, Senedd members in Wales voted against a motion calling for a new law to permit assisted dying in both Wales and England [8]. Refocusing on the situation in Ireland, as discussions surrounding euthanasia continue various groups actively campaign on both sides.

Days before the Dáil vote on assisted dying, Life Institute held a protest urging the government to reject such measures. Ógra Aontú have voiced strong opposition to legalising euthanasia and assisted-dying, their president, John-Bryan, voiced that “Ógra Aontú believe the Government should be assisting people to live, not die. ‘The Assisted Dying Bill’ is a chilling piece of legislation in a so-called “caring and compassionate society”. The Ógra Aontú president emphasises concerns based on international experiences with euthanasia and the impact on vulnerable groups, “The ‘slippery slope’ effect has resulted in euthanasia in other countries no longer being just about terminal illness. It now includes homeless people; people with mental illness; people struggling to survive on state benefits; and those who fear decades of loneliness, alienation and care dependency”. A compelling viewpoint is established by John on euthanasia’s effect on young people: “This is an important issue for us because we care about our elderly, and the most vulnerable in society. Young people, particularly in Ireland understand and place a great value on the relationships, the wisdom and care that our grandparents provide us. We want to see that care represented in how this government treats its vulnerable and elderly citizens. This issue is not about a medical procedure, it’s about how we view and value life as a Nation.” In Ireland, as debates continue, assisted-dying legislation has sparked strong views from all sides, highlighting the importance of both patient autonomy and protections for vulnerable groups. Public sentiment remains divided, with vocal advocacy and opposition shaping this complex national conversation.

Sources:

[1] “The Case for Assisted Dying Has Not Been Established – Senator Rónán Mullen,” n.d. https://ronanmullen.ie/the-case-for-assisted-dying-has-notbeen-established/.

[2] Curran, Faye. “Assisted Dying a ‘Complex Issue’ That Needs Same Level of Debate as Abortion.” Newstalk, June 1, 2023. https://www.newstalk.com/news/assisted-dying-a-complexissue-that-needs-same-le vel-of-debate-as-abortion-1474528.

[3] ‘The Time Has Come to Grasp the Nettle on Assisted Dying.’” Gino Kenny TD | People Before Profit | Dublin Mid-West, February 17, 2024. https://ginokenny.com/2024/02/17/the-time-has-come-to-graspthe-nettle-on-assisted -dying/.

[4] Reilly, Catherine. “Assisted Dying: Where Does Irish Medicine Stand?” Medical Independent, August 28, 2023. https://www.medicalindependent.ie/in-the-news/newsfeatures/assisted-dying-where- does-irish-medicine-stand/.

[5] Maynes, Maria. “Sufficient Supports Already in Place to Die With Dignity, HSE Tells Final Oireachtas Meeting,” Gript, February 13, 2024, https://gript.ie/sufficient-supports-already-inplace-to-die-with-dignity-hse-tells-final-oi reachtas-meeting/.

[6] Irish Doctors Supporting MAiD. “Irish Doctors Supporting MAiD,” https://www.maid.ie/.

 [7] “Our Views – End of Life Ireland,”. https://www.endoflifeireland.ie/our-views/.

[8] Halpin, Hayley. “Assisted Dying: Irish Parliament Votes in Favour of Report.” BBC News, October 24, 2024. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8rlx84pee2o.