People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny has said "it's very welcome" that his 'Dying With Dignity' private members bill was well received at Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting tonight.
RTÉ News understands that many Fine Gael TDs and Senators spoke in favour of a free vote tonight on legislation which would allow what's termed 'assisted dying' in Ireland.
Deputy Kenny repeated his call for a free vote on the issue, and the legislation to proceed to Committee stage in the Dáil.
It is expected that Fianna Fáil will give its TDs and Senators a free vote on the matter.
It's understood that the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said at the end of the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting that there appeared to be consensus in the room for both a free vote on the issue, and establishing an all-party committee to examine it.
It's expected that he will talk to the leaders of Fianna Fáil and the Green Party about crafting a government strategy.
