According to The Irish Times a criminal investigation is under way relating to the death of Marie Fleming. All of us in this House, and indeed many people throughout the country, remember the bravery shown by Marie and her partner, Tom. Diagnosed with a significantly life-limiting condition, Marie made the decision to choose the point at which her life contained so much pain and so little joy that she did not want it to continue. Her partner, Tom, walked that agonising road with her every step of the way. Despite the loss of the case in the Supreme Court, very few of us imagined that criminal proceedings would ensue. I know that the Minister of State at the Departments of Education and Skills and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Halligan, has expressed very strong views on this matter which are shared by many in the House. Is it the Government’s intention to legislate on this issue?

I remember this case very well. It was a most sensitive and very personal case and go ndéana Dia grásta uirthi. At the time I remember answering questions in the House on it. There is a constitutional bar. I have taken advice from the Attorney General that the legislation the Deputy refers to would not be constitutional and I remember answering questions from the far side of the House prior to the death of Marie Fleming. It is not the intention to introduce legislation.