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WQ.88/2024
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
BY DEPUTY K.M. WILSON OF ST. CLEMENT
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 18th MARCH 2024
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 25th MARCH 2024
Question
“Further to an article in the Bailiwick Express on 22nd February 2024, in which it was reported that the Minister “recognised calls made by a number of States Members to bring forward the [Assisted Dying] legislation as soon as possible”, will the Minister advise which Members made such a request; and will he explain how a period of 9 weeks is sufficient time to allow Members to consider these proposals before the debate (taking into account the number of bank holidays in this period)?”
Answer
The Assisted Dying proposition was lodged by the Council of Ministers on Friday 22 March, for debate on 21 May 2024. This provides for a 9-week lodging period. The Council of Ministers were informed of the proposed 9-week lodging period with ample time for consideration, and did not express any associated concerns.
I believe that a 9-week lodging period - even when allowing for four bank holidays that fall during that period - strikes an appropriate balance between providing Members sufficient time to consider the proposals whilst ensuring they are debated in a timely manner.
Furthermore, as stated, a number of other Members support this position, having noted the considerable delays to the initial timeframe. It is not for me to advise the Deputy who those Members are; it is a matter for them.
During the lodging period, policy officers will be providing three briefing sessions for States Members, in addition to a weekly surgery allowing Members to seek clarification on any part of the proposals. Officers will also make themselves available to Members on a one-to-one basis as necessary.