Vol. 519 No. 2
221 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to introduce a formal State register of all doctors providing fertility services which would ensure that doctors provide details of their past history and employment records, as recommended by the National Infertility Support and Information Group. [13597/00]
I have no plans to introduce a formal State register of doctors providing fertility services. Medical practice in this area is governed by the guidelines issued by the Medical Council.
The Deputy will be aware that, following on from a Government decision on the matter, a commission on assisted human reproduction has been established to prepare a report on the possible approaches to the regulation of all aspects of assisted human reproduction and the social, ethical, and legal factors to be taken into account in determining public policy in this area. The commission will be chaired by Professor Dervla Donnelly and includes medical, nursing, scientific and legal expertise. Submissions will be invited from the public. In addition the commission will consult appropriately to establish the views of service providers, consumers and any adoption issues. The commission will also consult with philosophical and theological experts to ensure that their perspectives are considered and reflected as appropriate in the commission's report. The commission's report will provide the basis for informed debate before the finalisation of any policy proposals.
