Vol. 567 No. 5
298 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to requests being submitted to Deputies seeking commitments regarding the Government's plans for legislation in respect of human embryos; and the Government policy in this area. [14252/03]
A number of Deputies have sought assurances that the Government will not introduce legislation that permits the deliberate destruction of human embryos. There are no plans to introduce any such legislation.
In relation to assisted human reproduction services generally, while there is no legislation regulating this area at present, medical practice is governed by guidelines issued by the Medical Council. These state that the creation of new forms of life for experimental purposes or the deliberate and intentional destruction of human life already formed is professional misconduct. I am conscious of concerns about the absence of a statutory framework to regulate this area. With a view to addressing these concerns in a comprehensive and informed way, and following a Government decision on the matter, I established the commission on assisted human reproduction in March 2000 with the following terms of reference: "to prepare a report on the possible approaches to the regulation of all areas of assisted human reproduction and the social, ethical and legal factors to be taken into account in determining public policy in this area."
When completed, the commission's report will provide the basis for informing public debate prior to the finalisation of any policy proposals. Given the complexity of the issues under examination, it is difficult to be definitive about when the work of the commission will be completed. I am, however, satisfied that it is working as expeditiously as is feasible.
