Joint Committee on Assisted Dying to discuss protecting vulnerable groups and individuals and the perspective of religious, faith and other philosophical groups regarding assisted dying

The first meeting will take place between 11:00-14:00 on the topic of protecting vulnerable groups and individuals, including people with disabilities and older people

The Committee will hear from the following representatives:
• Professor Desmond O’Neill
• Dr Rosaleen McDonagh
• Representatives from the National Disability Authority

The second meeting will take place between 19:00-22:00 on the topic of the perspective of religious, faith based and other philosophical groups regarding Assisted Dying.

The Committee will hear from the following representatives• Representatives from the Irish Episcopal Conference (Catholic Church);
• Representatives from the Church of Ireland;
• Representatives from the Methodist Church in Ireland;
• Representatives from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
• Representatives from the Humanist Association of Ireland
• Representatives from the Irish Muslim Council

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Healy-Rae said: “This is the first meeting in the Committee’s module examining potential consequences of assisted dying. The voices of people with disabilities are often side lined so it is important that we hear how any potential legislation would affect them.

"The purpose of the Committee is to consider the topic of assisted dying in depth rather than looking at a Bill that has already been drafted. However, any legislation introducing assisted dying must ensure equal recognition of the rights of disabled persons, and provision of any supports necessary for people to realise these rights.”

“In our second meeting, we will discuss the topic the perspective of religious, faith based and other philosophical groups regarding assisted dying. The purpose of this meeting is to engage representatives from: The Irish Episcopal Conference, the Church of Ireland, the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland the Humanist Association of Ireland, and the Irish Muslim Council."

"While almost three quarters of people living in Ireland identify as Roman Catholic, Ireland is home to many other faiths and traditions and beliefs. Census 2022 figures show that 69% of the population, over 3.5 million, identify as Roman Catholic. This is a drop from 79% in the 2016 census figures. More than 700,000 or 14% of the population identify as having no religion - the largest group after Roman Catholic, and represents an increase of 63% since the 2016 census, and of 187% since the 2011 census. We look forward to hearing the differing perspectives and views from representatives on this issue and how it relates to changing demographics.”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.