(Source: Wikimedia Commons)An Oireachtas Committee has heard it is possible to safely legislate for assisted suicide in Ireland.
The Department of Justice has warned any legislation on assisted suicide would need to have incredibly strong safeguards for vulnerable people.
The Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying began its first public hearings this morning.
The committee has been tasked with examining the issue of assisted dying or assisted suicide, and to make recommendations either for change or maintaining the status quo.
Rachel Woods from the Department of Justice warning if legislation is recommended, vulnerable people must be protected from being coerced into ending their life prematurely
"The safeguards needed there cannot be overstated because there are people who could and would abuse the legalisation of assisted suicide."
There were mixed views among the committee members.
Some spoke in favour - with some saying they would find it difficult but come to the hearings with an open mind
The committee will consider all sides of the issue over the next 9 months, with TD Robert Troy describing it as a literal life and death issue.
