A woman who was the first person in Ireland to be tried and acquitted of assisting in a suicide says the justice minister needs to "open her ears, open her eyes, start listening" to those who do not have a voice.
Gail O'Rorke went on trial accused of attempting to help multiple sclerosis sufferer Bernadette Forde take her own life, by making travel arrangements to Switzerland - where the euthanasia clinic Dignitas is based.
Ms O'Rorke was not arrested at the time in April 2011, but was was subsequently charged after her friend took a lethal dose of barbiturates bought online from Mexico in June of that year.
She was cleared by direction of Judge McCartan on charges of assisting her friend's suicide by preparing her funeral arrangements, and procuring the drugs that killed her, due to a lack of evidence against her.
It was the first case of its kind in Ireland.
Following the judgement, 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.
Speaking to Newstalk Lunchtime, Ms O'Rorke described the final hours leading up to Ms Forde's death.
And she told Ciara McDonagh that now is the time for a change in the law.
