At the parliamentary party meeting yesterday, numerous members asked for a free vote so they could support Socialist TD Gino Kenny’s euthanasia Bill which has no times limits and defines terminal illness very broadly.
But it is understood that both Heather Humphreys and Josepha Madigan spoke out against a free vote as, they claimed, the pressure TDs would come under would be intense.
A spokesperson for Ms Madigan later said she spoke at length on the issue and said it would be best to have a Citizens’ Assembly on the issue first followed by a free vote.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee put forward a number of options, including holding a Citizens’ Assembling on the issue.
Mr Varakdar said the second stage of the Bill could be deferred for a number of months to allow a special committee to hear from experts and those with personal experiences.
A number of members, including John McGahon and Barry Ward said they would be against putting the issue to a Citizen’s Assembly as this would be simply kicking the can down the road.
