Fine Gael Wexford Deputy, Dr. Liam Twomey, thanked all deputies who contributed to the Second Stage debate today (Friday) in the Dáil on the Advanced Healthcare Decisions Bill 2012. Deputy Twomey said the new Friday sittings, which allow backbench deputies to propose legislation, is a welcome addition to the Dáil agenda as it facilitates bills such as this to be brought forward.

“I am delighted that the Advanced Healthcare Decisions Bill has passed Second Stage and will now proceed to Committee Stage for further debate. I thank all who contributed to the debate today for their positive and supportive comments.

“I look forward to the Bill going to the Health Committee so that the issues can be progressed and teased out further.

“I also welcome the addition of the new Friday sittings, which have been introduced by this Government as a means of enabling backbench TDs to bring forward legislation of their own. This has allowed the important issue of living wills and end of life care to be discussed with the hope of having the legislation enacted into law in the near future.”

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