Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016
481. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health to provide an update regarding when Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationship Act 2015, will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21600/16]
View answer599. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health when he will implement the provisions for donor assisted reproduction Parts 2 and 3 further to the passing of the Children and Family Relationship Act 2015. [21215/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 481 and 599 together.
When the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 was enacted in April last year, it was indicated that Parts 2 and 3 of the Act, which deal with donor-assisted human reproduction, would not be commenced for at least a year following enactment. This period of time will provide an appropriate transition period and ensure that people currently undergoing donor-assisted human reproduction treatment could continue that treatment and to give fertility clinics time to prepare for the new regulatory framework. This transition period is a practical and pragmatic administrative solution to facilitate the seamless transition to a new regulatory framework. This transition period will also allow time for officials to conduct the significant amount of preparatory work required to enable these provisions (including provisions relating to the National Donor-Conceived Person Register) to enter into force.
