The proposed Dying with Dignity Bill needs “significant changes” and does not ensure “adequate safeguards” to protect a person’s right to life, the State-funded Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has warned. It did not call for the bill to be scrapped altogether.

In its submission to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice which is considering the legislation, the IHREC says that any law that would empower doctors to end the lives of patients should be guided by “the human rights model of disability” and “extensive discussions” with groups representing certain at-risk people.

In its submission, the commission underlines that “robust and adequate safeguards are vital” and that before any legislation is passed, a framework must be in place to protect a person’s right to life, right to health and palliative care and right to participate in decision-making.

An “independent oversight mechanism” responsible for reviewing and affirming a person’s declaration that they want to end their life should also be introduced.