A special Dáil committee is to be convened to examine the issue of assisted suicide, with calls that it should begin work before the Christmas break.

The issue was last examined by the Justice Committee, which looked at a Private Members Bill from left-wing TD Gino Kenny last year.

It recommended a special Oireachtas committee be established to examine the entire topic in greater depth, and it is understood that the committee on standing orders and Dáil reform met Thursday night to approve a paper on the establishment of the committee.

The terms of reference were agreed, and nine TDs and five senators are to be selected to sit on the committee. Under the D’Hondt system used to decide which parties chair committees, the Rural Independent group will nominate a member who will become chair, if they wish to proceed.