‘I am more than willing to testify’ – Kilkenny campaigner Vicky to address Dáil hearings on assisted dying

Kilkenny cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has said she wants to testify to Dáil hearings on assisted dying as soon as possible.

The Mooncoin mother-of-two and former Kilkenny Person of the Year, who is terminally ill, has been asked to take part in the first witness sessions on People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny’s Dying with Dignity legislation.

Ms Phelan told the Irish Independent: “I have already been asked by Gino Kenny if I would be willing to testify. I am more than willing to testify at the hearings. This bill is of huge importance to me.”

Mr Kenny’s legislation passed at second stage in the Dáil in September n spite of a Government attempt to delay it for a year.

The Dáil vote to progress the Dying with Dignity Bill passed in October by 81-71.

The Oireachtas Justice and Equality Joint Committee will scrutinise the legislation over the coming months.

The committee will study the bill and also the wider societal issue, which could ultimately lead to a referendum.