Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
571 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the concern expressed regarding recent Medical Council guideline changes in relation to surplus embryos arising from IVF treatment; if he has examined the legislative framework in Italy for such donations; if he intends to introduce legislation or regulations in relation to this issue. [11568/04]
View answerThe House is aware that while there is no legislation regulating the area of IVF, medical practice is governed by guidelines issued by the Medical Council which deal, inter alia, with IVF. These guidelines are the statutory responsibility of the council and I have no responsibility in the matter. I am, however, conscious of the degree of concern among the public about the absence of a statutory framework to regulate the range of issues associated with the area of assisted human reproduction, including IVF. With a view to addressing these concerns in a comprehensive and informed way, I established a commission on assisted human reproduction in March 2000 with the following terms of reference. The commission was directed 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.
In its deliberations, I understand that the commission has taken account of the legislative framework in other jurisdictions, including Italy. The issues under consideration by the commission are complex and, while it is nearing completion of its work, it is not possible to be definitive at this stage in relation to when exactly it will finalise the report. The publication of the commission's report will provide the basis for informed public debate before the finalisation of any policy proposals.
