Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 3

Written Answers. - Assisted Reproduction Facilities.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

24 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children whether he intends to extend the availability of assisted reproduction facilities in the State; if he has satisfied himself that ethical issues in this regard are adequately catered for by regulation, guidelines or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15896/97]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

52 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has responded to a proposal from the Well Woman organisation in relation to the establishment of a sperm bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15913/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 52 together.

Assisted reproduction is not provided within the public hospital service. Accordingly, persons who wish to undergo such treatment do so in a private capacity. The Medical Council has approved the guidelines issued by the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland in relation to such treatment.

The Deputy will appreciate that proposals which relate to assisted human reproduction raise significant legal and ethical issues. I am of the view that careful examination of a range of matters in this complex area is needed and I am currently considering how best these might be addressed.

I am not, therefore, in a position at present to make a decision on the proposal received from the Dublin Well Woman Centre.