Irish Examiner View: Deliberations on assisted dying will need compassion and wisdom

The right to decide when to give up an unequal fight against mortality is an idea whose time has come, and much will be debated in the coming months and years.

Vicky Phelan during the launch of Independent TD Gino Kenny's Dying with Dignity Bill 2020. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The special Dáil committee being convened to examine the sensitive issue of assisted dying will have its work cut out to find a formula which addresses all the complex issues which bear upon this subject.

But meet that challenge they must, as the road to legislation is certain to be arduous, and probably long, with passionate views exchanged before there can exist a statutory right to assist a person to end their life, and a statutory right to receive such assistance.