Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
749 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the issues raised by a group (details supplied); and if he will confirm that the report of the Commissions on Assisted Human Reproduction will not be biased. [21385/04]
View answerThe correspondence to which the Deputy refers concerns a "Balance Study" conducted by the Family and Life organisation. This study was based on the conference transcript of the public conference of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction. The contents of the study have been examined and noted by my Department and a copy of the report has been passed on to the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction for attention and information.
When the commission was set up, I indicated that it would be required to seek submissions from the public and to consult appropriate interests. I should point out that the commission has engaged in an extensive consultation exercise in order to inform itself on the current state of public opinion in Ireland on assisted human reproduction. This has included the placing of advertisements in the national press seeking submissions from the public. It should be noted that over 1,600 submissions were received in response and carefully examined.
The hosting of the public conference in 2003 by the commission represents another example of efforts made to encourage interested parties to engage in discussion and debate on the issues involved. The commission has also engaged in a number of information gathering exercises that included the following:
(i) Survey of assisted human reproduction services provided in specialised clinics. A survey instrument was drafted by the commission with a view to establishing the extent of the provision of assisted human reproduction services in Ireland.
(ii) Survey of GPs. The commission issued a survey instrument to a random sample to 50% of GPs in all health board areas. I understand that a high proportion of those surveyed responded.
(iii) Survey of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The commission also issued a survey instrument to obstetricians and gynaecologists to elicit information on their level of involvement in assisted human reproduction services.
(iv) Survey of Public Attitudes and Opinions. The commission has also surveyed public attitudes and opinions on a range of questions related to assisted human reproduction.
I understand that the commission is nearing completion of its work, but given the complex ethical, social and legal implications that arise, it is not possible to say when it will be in a position to finalise its report.
