Tony Gregory
Ceist:249 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the outstanding requests for funding from a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and his response to these requests. [14352/97]
Written Answers - Sperm Bank Facilities.
Ceist:
267 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the difficulties and ethical issues hindering the establishment of sperm storage facilities in this country in relation to the inquiry being made regarding the issue of sperm storage facilities for cancer patients. [14375/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 267 together.
The Deputy will appreciate that proposals which relate to assisted human reproduction raise significant legal and ethical issues. I am of the view that careful examination of a range of matters in this complex area is needed and I am currently considering how best these might be addressed.
In relation to the establishment of sperm bank facilities, the issues which require to be considered include the appropriate regulatory framework, counselling requirements and protocols for the screening, storage and subsequent use or disposal of sperm.
I am not therefore in a position at present to make a decision on the proposal received from the hospital referred to by the Deputy.