Criminal proceedings are to be brought against a US "right-to-die" activist in relation to an alleged assisted suicide in Dublin in 2002 as soon as he is extradited to Ireland, an inquest has heard.
Sgt Séamus Finn from Donnybrook Garda station told Dublin City Coroner's Court yesterday that the Director of Public Prosecutions "has directed that criminal proceedings be taken against a named individual. He has to be extradited to Ireland in order that criminal proceedings be brought".
The Garda have provided the US authorities with the documentation in order to facilitate an extradition, Sgt Finn said. "The correct papers are in the hands of the American legal authorities."
An American "right-to-die" activist, the Rev George Exoo, and an assistant are understood to have travelled to Ireland and to have been present when Rosemary Toole Gilhooley committed suicide in January 2002. The event occurred in a rented house in Donnybrook in Dublin.
Mr Exoo has denied assisting in the suicide, but has admitted that he was present when the woman ended her life.
Garda detectives travelled to West Virginia in 2002 to interview Mr Exoo in connection with the death.
Ms Toole Gilhooley is alleged to have paid $2,500 for Mr Exoo and his assistant to cover the cost of hotels, flights and other expenses. Garda investigators have studied her computer records and have liaised closely with the FBI.
Ms Toole Gilhooley (49), who was separated, suffered from depression but did not have any physical terminal illness at the time of her death.
It is believed that she died after placing a plastic bag over her head and inhaling helium gas through a tube. Mr Exoo could face 14 years in prison if he is convicted.
The inquest into her death was adjourned for six months as criminal proceedings are expected to be forthcoming.