Assisted Human Reproduction

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021

Wednesday, 14 July 2021

Questions (333)

Neale Richmond

Question:

333. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if he will initiate an amendment to the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 such that parentage shall be assigned to both parties in circumstances in which a donor-assisted human reproduction procedure has been performed outside the State; if his attention has been drawn to the number of same-sex parents who cannot have their name registered as parents of their own child in Ireland simply due to the fact that the procedures were carried out outside of the State; his views on whether this is treating one family differently to another and requires change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30959/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 provide a legal framework for donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR), including

the legal parentage of children born in the State as a result of DAHR procedures. Parts 2 and 3 came into operation on 4 May 2020. The provisions require consent to be signed by the intending parent or parents and the donor or donors prior to a DAHR procedure. Further, details of the procedure, including the identity of gamete and embryo donors are recorded in the National Donor Conceived Person Register. This enables the State to vindicate the rights of donor-conceived persons to information about their genetic identity.

In general, the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 does not cover DAHR procedures that take place abroad as it is not possible to ensure that such DAHR procedures have adhered to the requirements of the Act, particularly in relation to donor conceived children's right to know their genetic heritage.