Dáil to vote on final Oireachtas report on assisted dying

The Dáil will vote on the final report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying this evening.

After months of hearings, the Committee last March called on the Government to legalise assisted dying in certain restricted circumstances.

The recommendation was backed by nine of the 14 committee members, however three others issued a dissenting report opposing such a move.

The text of this evening's motion reads: "That Dáil Eireann shall take note of the Report of the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying entitled: 'Final Report of the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying'; copies of which were laid before Dáil Eireann on 21st March 2024."

For some deputies, the neutral language noting the report means members are not being asked to express a view on the controversial topic per se.

However others say the vote will provide an indication as to the level of support the Committee's majority report has among deputies.

This evening's vote will not change anything, as substantial legislation would be required.

The Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he has serious reservations about what was proposed by the majority of the Assisted Dying Committee.

The People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny, who sat on the Committee, has called for the report to be implemented in full.