Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 June 2015
158. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 10 June 2015, when the legislation to regulate surrogacy will be enacted; and if it will prevent persons who are unfit to have a child from doing so. [23992/15]
View answerIn February of this year I received Government approval to draft the General Scheme of a Bill for assisted human reproduction, which will include provisions relating to surrogacy and the assignment of parentage in such cases. Drafting is at an early stage and the General Scheme is not expected to be completed before the end of the year.
The General Scheme will provide for welfare of the child assessments which will afford a way of assessing whether intending parents are suitable for assisted human reproduction treatment (assessments will be conducted for all forms of treatment, including surrogacy).
It should be noted that under the proposed legislation commercial surrogacy will be prohibited, however, the reimbursement of reasonable expenses for surrogates will be permitted. There will also be a requirement for intending parents, and surrogates to have counselling and give their genuine and informed consent prior to the commencement of treatment.
It is my intention that the legislation will promote and ensure the health and safety of parents, others involved in the process (such as surrogate mothers) and, most importantly, the children who will be born as a result of assisted reproduction.
