Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 4 July 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying

Legal Protections and Sanctions: Discussion

Mr. Kevin Kelly:

There is not much more to add. I completely agree with Dr. Mills. It is well known that the courts will always demonstrate a degree of deference to the Legislature and regards the Oireachtas as the administrative and policy engine of the State. With changes being implemented in legislation, there can be a sense of appreciation or acceptance of certain societal shifts. Through those, in conjunction with other factors, the court may respect that there is a change in society and could then implement that in a judgment.