I propose to take Questions Nos. 174, 175, 176, 177 and 178 together.
Assisted reproduction is not available within the public hospital service. Accordingly, persons who undergo such treatment do so in a private capacity. In vitro fertilisation treatment is, I understand, provided on this basis at the human assisted reproduction unit at the Rotunda Hospital and at University College Hospital, Galway. These services operate under the guidelines in relation to such treatment issued by the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland and approved by Medical Council. The Well Woman Centre provides a donor insemination service using imported semen in accordance with the UK guidelines of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
The Deputy will appreciate that proposals in relation to assisted human reproduction raise significant legal and ethical issues. I am of the view that a careful examination of the full range of matters in this complex area is needed and I am currently considering how best these might be addressed.