Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2021
463. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will address the international surrogacy issue in the assisted human reproduction Bill to reflect that both the child’s intended parents are recognised as their legal parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26602/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, 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, is ongoing by officials in my Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. This comprehensive piece of legislation will encompass the regulation, for the first time in Ireland, of a very wide range of practices, including domestic altruistic surrogacy.
The General Scheme does not contain provisions to regulate surrogacy arrangements undertaken in other jurisdictions. As issues relating to international surrogacy concern areas of law that intersect across the remits of several Government Departments, my Department is engaging with the Department of Justice and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in respect of this policy area.
