Assisted dying free vote
Deputy Kenny asked whether Government TDs would get a free vote on the assisted dying report and forthcoming legislation. The Tánaiste confirmed Fianna Fáil would treat it as a conscience vote, though he personally opposed the proposal.
There will be a very important debate tonight on the final report of the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying. As the Tánaiste knows, that report, which made a recommendation for legislative change, was finalised in March this year. Will the Government grant TDs in Government parties a free vote when it comes before the Dáil next Wednesday?
Comment on this
In the Fianna Fáil Party, for close to a decade now, we have had a free vote on issues to do with life or an issue of conscience. That will remain the position in respect of this proposed legislation. Even though I do not agree with such legislation and have very serious reservations about it, nonetheless, it will be a vote of conscience for each individual member of our party. I cannot speak for other parties in the Government.