The assisted suicide bill should not be progressed as it would do more harm than good, according to the Royal College of Surgeons.

In a submission to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, they say Deputy Gino Kenny’s bill which grants a legal right to euthanise consenting terminally ill adults would create a precedent “to extend the practice to handicapped and sick individuals also, who do not suffer so much themselves, but rather are a perceived burden to society”.

They add: “Although many supporters of voluntary euthanasia base their case on respect for individual autonomy, it may well be that their understanding of who qualifies for the category of ‘human being’ depends on the quality of human life present. If this were so, it would be logical for them to regard the State as an institution whose duty it was to safeguard and promote the common good of ‘good quality human beings’ and dispose of those who do not meet the agreed criteria.”

The college also say the bill introduces “a fundamental reversal of a medical ethic that has sustained the welfare of patients for centuries”.

“It is at variance with the core values of the medical profession particularly in the area of patient protection. It has the potential to fundamentally damage the doctor/patient relationship. Instead of introducing euthanasia the State would be better employed in providing proper support to palliative care which has been developed largely through voluntary effort.”