Vol. 515 No. 5
66 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will introduce legislation to prevent a black market trade in human eggs in view of the fact there are major difficulties in persuading women to donate their ova for IVF procedures and there is a danger that commercial ventures could exploit the need for eggs. [6490/00]
Assisted human reproduction raises a wide range of very sensitive and complex issues with associated legal, ethical, social and medical implications, some of which are reflected in the concerns expressed by the Deputy.
I am pleased to say the Government has recently approved the establishment of a commission on assisted human reproduction with the following terms of reference: "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."
I am considering the composition of the commission and my intention is that this body will be established as soon as possible.
