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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 5

Written Answers. - Sperm Bank Facilities.

Máirín Quill

Question:

10 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health when the provision of sperm bank facilities will be available in Ireland; the facilities, if any, that are currently available to patients wishing to avail of such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11767/96]

Limerick East): Sperm bank facilities are not available in Ireland. I understand that patients who wish to avail of such facilities do so outside the State.

Earlier this year I received a number of representations in relation to the possible provision of sperm bank facilities for patients receiving medical treatment which may affect their subsequent fertility. Arising from this, the Department of Health has commenced a detailed examination of the possible provision of such facilities in Ireland. The Deputy will appreciate that such an examination involves a number of issues, some of which are complex. Meetings have taken place with relevant experts to provide the necessary technical information and to determine the costs and possible locations of such a service, and this information must now be evaluated. In addition, any proposal in the area of reproductive health involves ethical issues which also need to be considered and taken into account, and the question of whether any legislation would be necessary must also be assessed. For these reasons, I expect that it will be some time before I am in a position to make a final decision on the matter.
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