Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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275. To ask the Minister for Health if he had discussions or engagements with palliative care consultants or medical professionals prior to the Dáil Éireann votes on the Dying with Dignity Bill 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30513/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Dying with Dignity Bill 2000 is a Private Member’s Bill which was introduced by Deputy Gino Kenny and passed Second Stage in the Dáil last Wednesday (October 7^th2020). On the same date, a counter motion put forward by the Government was defeated; this would have allowed the Bill to be read a second time in 12 months’ time, in order to allow for scrutiny by a specially established Joint Oireachtas Committee.

Representations from individuals and groups, including those involved in the palliative care area, in relation to this Bill have been received by my Department, but no meetings or discussions have been held. However, I would anticipate that there will be full engagement with an extensive and diverse range of stakeholders during the Committee scrutiny process in respect of such an issue of the utmost complexity, sensitivity and importance.