asked the Minister for Health if he will set up a broadbased working party to consider the issue of work on human infertility in an Irish context; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Human Infertility.
11.
The establishment of a working party to consider the issue of work on human infertility in an Irish context will be examined in association with the future of the St. James's in-vitro fertilisation programme. I have recently received a copy of a report on this programme and it is being considered in my Department.
As soon as this examination has been completed, I will have a clearer picture of what exactly is required and will then decide on the appropriate further action to be taken.
I am glad the Minister raised the issue of the future of this service. Will he re-assure infertile Irish couples that he does not consider work in this areas to be a low priority as has been reported? I hope the service provided by St. James's will be protected, maintained and developed, but whatever the fate of St. James's, work has been going on in private hospitals and will continue to do so in the years ahead. In that event does the Minister not consider that we have a constitutional responsibility to lay down guidelines appropriate to the local moral and constitutional environment that makes up modern Ireland?
As pointed out, I have recently received a copy of a report on the St. James's in-vitro fertilisation programme and this is being considered in the Department.
There are two elements to my question, neither of which has been answered. The Minister has not told us of his estimate of the importance of this programme nor has he said whether he considers he has a constitutional responsibility to set down some guidelines for the work which will go on in private hospitals, even if it does not go on in public hospitals? Would the Minister not agree that he has responsibility, regardless of what happens to St. James's hospital to act to supervise and to establish guidelines for this area?
I would accept the responsibility to have guidelines. A valuable report has been prepared by the experts in this area. The answer to the Deputy's question really depends on our studying that report and coming up with the correct answers.