Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 September 2022
302. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the recognition and regulation of domestic and international surrogacies arrangements, in light of the recent Report on Internal Surrogacy by the Special Joint Oireachtas Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45274/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, including in the context of chairing the Special Oireachtas Joint Committee on International Surrogacy, international surrogacy raises complex ethical questions concerning areas of law that intersect across the remits of several Government Departments and require detailed examination.
Following the publication of the Special Oireachtas Joint Committee on International Surrogacy’s report, through a structured and collaborative engagement process, the Department of Justice, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and my Department are reviewing the report’s recommendations along with other relevant matters with a view to determining an appropriate policy position and suitable next steps. This detailed consideration is ongoing and the Departments are meeting frequently to work through the issues concerned. It is important that the relevant Departments complete a robust and thorough examination of all of the issues, including the findings and recommendations of the Committee’s report, given the range of complexities involved and the rights of the various parties involved in surrogacy arrangements.
