New Bill aims to remove criminal sanctions in assisted suicide cases

Independent TD John Halligan is set to introduce a Dáil bill that will remove any criminal sanctions against a family member or doctor who assists a suicide.

Gail O'Rorke this year became the first person in Ireland to be tried and acquitted in relation to assisted suicide.

She was cleared in April of making arrangements for her friend Bernadette Forde to travel to Dignitas in Zurich.

Gail said today that she hopes her case will pave the way for a change in the law.

"[Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald] needs to open her ears, open her eyes, start listening - get behind this because there are lots of people stuck in situations around the country who don't have a voice, who are sitting there right now maybe listening to this who don't have a voice and who are in a situation where they need proper help," she said.

"I understand that votes are necessary and I understand that popularity within the Government is necessary - but there's a huge, huge part of society that needs change and I think it's unfair to turn your back on that."