Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
404. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when the assisted human reproduction Bill will be introduced; if it will include a clause prohibiting donor tourism whereby a clinic based here facilitates couples attending clinics in other jurisdictions to access anonymous gametes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46949/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government approved the drafting of a Bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research in October last year. The General Scheme is published on my Department’s website. This comprehensive piece of legislation encompasses the regulation of a range of practices, including gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research.
The Joint Committee on Health is currently conducting a review of the General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017 as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny process, which began in January of this year. The review is ongoing, and the Committee intends to publish its report early in 2019. The introduction of legislation in relation to AHR and associated research is a priority for me and the process of drafting this Bill will be completed in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. However, it is not possible at this time to give a definitive timeline for the completion of the draft Bill and its subsequent passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017 only encompasses activities which occur in Ireland. The state can only regulate activities that occur in this jurisdiction and cannot regulate people availing of AHR treatment that is legally provided in another country.
