Mark Ward
Question:1298. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if plans are in place to regulate fertility treatment here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22028/20]
View answerTuesday, 8 September 2020
Questions (1298)
Written answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the Government approved the drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill. This far-reaching piece of legislation encompasses the regulation of a wide range of practices for the first time in this country, including: gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research; surrogacy; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of embryos; posthumous assisted reproduction; and embryo and stem cell research. The General Scheme also provides for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for AHR. The drafting of the Bill is ongoing, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.
Overall, the provisions outlined within the General Scheme will ensure that AHR practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight. The aim of the AHR legislation is to promote and ensure the health and safety of parents and others involved in the process while, most importantly, consideration of the welfare and best interests of children born as a result of AHR is the key principle underpinning the General Scheme.