Stormont politicians urged to hold assisted dying debate

There are calls for a formal debate about assisted dying at Stormont.

It comes as the issue is being brought to Westminster and the Dáil this week.

It is currently illegal in Northern Ireland, the Republic, England and Wales and carries a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years.

Gavin Walker from My Death My Decision, Northern Ireland wants citizens here to have their say:

"It's not an easy thing to talk about, it's not an easy discussion to have.

"But nevertheless in places like Switzerland, in Oregon, in Spain, in various countries all across the world they've managed to have this debate and to come up with something that works for their own community and here in Northern Ireland we should have the right to do that as well.

"All around us people are having this conversation, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Jersey and now in England and Wales.

"So we are the only people on the British Isles who are not having the opportunity to have the debate about what we would like our end of life to look like and what we are saying is let's have that debate, we deserve to have it."

Meanwhile, religious groups say any law change would put the vulnerable at risk.

And the head of the Catholic church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin said such legislation should be strongly opposed.

Mr Martin said: "For all those who cherish a culture of life across these islands, the introduction of laws to permit assisted suicide is an affront to a safe and protective society. Such legislation should be strongly opposed.

"As a society we are defined by the extent to which we care for our most vulnerable persons including those suffering from disabilities, terminal illness or otherwise nearing the end of life. While this is a Gospel imperative, it is noteworthy that medical and healthcare professionals are also gravely concerned at an evolving political ideology which would interfere with their calling to ‘do no harm’ and which would legally erode the right to life at all stages.

"I urge all people of goodwill to contact their MPs as soon as possible to ask them to reject this law. In addition, as we expect that a general election will be held in Ireland shortly, I ask voters to contact their TDs and senators to ascertain their commitment to protecting end of life care, and to seek inclusion in election manifestos for investment to enhance palliative care and hospice provision."