Vol. 481 No. 3
24 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children whether he intends to extend the availability of assisted reproduction facilities in the State; if he has satisfied himself that ethical issues in this regard are adequately catered for by regulation, guidelines or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15896/97]
52 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has responded to a proposal from the Well Woman organisation in relation to the establishment of a sperm bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15913/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 52 together.
Assisted reproduction is not provided within the public hospital service. Accordingly, persons who wish to undergo such treatment do so in a private capacity. The Medical Council has approved the guidelines issued by the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland in relation to such treatment.
