In 2021, it was recommended that the Committee be established to undertake an in-depth examination of the topic after an earlier piece of legislation, proposed by Socialist TD, Gino Kenny, was shelved.
The appointment of Deputy Healy-Rae as Chair of the new committee is based on the rotation system regarding chairmanships that operates in the Oireachtas between the various political parties and groupings.
The names of other committee members have still to be released but is expected to be heavily weighted in favour of euthanasia.