Assisted Human Reproduction

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Questions (810, 851, 853, 1024, 1042)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

810. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when the assisted human reproduction Bill will be introduced into the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52108/21]

Neale Richmond

Question:

851. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the status of the forthcoming legislation on the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52218/21]

Neale Richmond

Question:

853. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health when the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52220/21]

Seán Canney

Question:

1024. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the introduction of the proposed assisted human reproduction Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52949/21]

Pa Daly

Question:

1042. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the status of the assisted human reproduction Bill; when it will be advanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52989/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 810, 851, 853, 1024 and 1042 together.

As the Deputies 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 continue to engage intensively 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.