Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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117. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will legislate to allow for assisted dying given the vote in favour by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Assisted Dying in its report, which recommended to legalise for assisted dying in specific circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2602/26]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The issue of assisted dying is very complex, requiring careful consideration of medical, ethical and cultural issues. It also gives rise to challenging issues in the areas of criminal justice and constitutional law.

The Joint Committee on Assisted Dying was established in January 2023 to consider and make recommendations for legislative and policy change in relation to assisted dying. The Committee published its Final Report on 20 March 2024. The Committee’s report recommends that the Government introduce legislation to allow for assisted dying in certain restricted circumstances. On 23 October 2024, the Dáil voted by 76 to 53 to note the Committee’s Report.

It is a matter for Government, on foot of the Dáil vote, to determine how to progress this issue, including with regard to which Department will take a lead role in relation to it. No decision has been taken, as of yet, as regards any proposed legislative, or other actions, to be taken.