The Tánaiste says TDs and Senators should legislate for assisted suicide. It comes after the case of Marie Fleming was raised. The multiple sclerosis sufferer lost a Supreme Court challenge to the ban on assisted suicide.
The court ruled back in April that there was no Constitutional right to take one's life, even though suicide is no longer a criminal act. Neither is there a right to arrange for one's life to be terminated.
The court found the provision of the 1993 Criminal law Act - which criminalises assisted suicide - is 'objectively neutral' and does not discriminate against the physically disabled.
Marie Fleming gave evidence at the High Court that due to physical restrictions she needs help to end her life but that she is prepared to take the final step herself.
Her partner Tom Curran said at the time: "Even though the court didn't see fit to instruct the Oireachtas to change the law, the Oireachtas has the ability itself to change the law at anytime - and maybe there are other people out there that would like to see that law changed".
Meanwhile yesterday a 42-year-old Dublin woman was charged with assisting the suicide of another woman in 2011.
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore says once that case is completed, politicians should step up and deal with this issue.
Independent TD for Wicklow Stephen Donnelly questioned Mr. Gilmore on the issue.
