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The Government has been accused of delaying a Bill allowing assisted dying in limited circumstances in Ireland.<\/p>\nThe Government has been accused of delaying a Bill allowing assisted dying in limited circumstances in Ireland.<\/p>\n
It would decriminalize medical intervention in the case of the terminally ill who have full ability to give consent.<\/p>\n
Ministers want to give significantly more time for TDs\u2019 deliberations and hear a wide range of views.<\/p>\n
Prosecution for assisting someone in taking his or her life can result in imprisonment of up to 14 years.<\/p>\n
People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny proposed legalization in limited circumstances and said sufferers would not be under any duress.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe should support them and not vilify them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He brought a \u201cDying with Dignity\u201d Bill before the D\u00e1il for debate on Thursday evening but ministers want to establish a new committee instead.<\/p>\n
Mr. Kenny added: \u201cThis process will be unduly delayed because of the amendment.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said his proposal would allow an adult suffering from a terminal and progressive illness to make a \u201crational\u201d decision to seek the help of doctors to end their lives.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI do not understand why this has to go to an all-party committee because this has been debated at length.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Bill is about giving people a choice where it is unbearable pain that they are suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n
University lecturer Marie Fleming, who was in the late stages of multiple sclerosis, took a landmark challenge to the Supreme Court on Ireland\u2019s legal ban on assisted suicide.<\/p>\n
Ms. Fleming (59) lost that battle in the Supreme Court in 2013 and died later that year.<\/p>\n
The court said it was open to the Oireachtas to legislate on the matter.<\/p>\n
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said consideration was needed of the vital public interest in protecting people nearing the end of their lives who might be vulnerable and at risk of abuse.<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cThe new committee would report back to this house within 12 months with recommendations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis subject of assisted dying is complex and cannot be rushed.<\/p>\n
\u201cA special Oireachtas committee is best placed to ensure that there is a full consideration of the issues which arise in this Bill and that is why I am asking deputies to support the counter motion I am proposing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe counter motion will also give all of us in here, as well as the general public, the time to consider the fundamental questions and detail of what is being proposed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Labour leader Alan Kelly said improving end of life care and providing outlets for dying with dignity are imperative.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis issue should not be kicked down the road any longer, I believe we are ready to have this conversation as a country.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been struck by many of the cases and advocates for dying with dignity that have been put forward in the last few weeks.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has certainly opened my eyes to the extent of how much this provision is needed.\u201d<\/p>\n