Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 April 2014
129. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on anonymous egg and sperm donation; his further views on whether donor conceived children have a right to a relationship during childhood with their natural parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16905/14]
View answerMy proposals, contained in the General Scheme of a Children and Family Relationships Bill, are that donation of gametes does not confer parentage on the donor. The draft legislation sets out clear rules for the assignment of parentage where children are born through assisted reproduction methods using donor gametes. The broader bioethical questions concerning gamete donation are a matter for the Minister for Health. The Minister for Health is examining proposals to regulate assisted human reproduction and related matters. He will make a decision on these matters in due course in the context of ongoing legislative priorities.
