Assisted Human Reproduction

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Questions (1441, 1669)

Noel Grealish

Question:

1441. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when the assisted human reproduction Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33306/21]

View answer

1669. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the drafting status of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill; when it will be advanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34883/21]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1441 and 1669 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research is ongoing by officials in my Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. This comprehensive and far-reaching piece of legislation encompasses the regulation, for the first time in Ireland, of a wide range of practices, including: gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research; domestic surrogacy; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of embryos; posthumous assisted reproduction; and embryo and stem cell research. The legislation also provides for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for AHR.

I can assure the Deputy that publication of this legislation is a priority for my Department and the Government, and a commitment to enact this legislation is included in the Programme for Government, “Our Shared Future”. Officials in my Department and the Office of the Attorney General continue to prioritise the drafting of this complex legislation and will engage intensively over the next few months to finalise the Bill. Overall, the provisions outlined within the Bill will ensure that AHR practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight.