Bernard Allen
Ceist:297 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he proposes to introduce regulations which will offer parents of young children undergoing cancer treatment sperm-banking facilities for their offspring. [16570/01]
Written Answers. - Assisted Human Reproduction
While there are a number of facilities offering sperm-banking services on a private basis, including services in the case of children under 16 years of age, I am concerned about the absence of a regulatory framework to govern the whole area. As with other aspects of assisted human reproduction, sperm-banking is a sensitive and complex area. For this reason, following a Government decision on the matter, I established a commission on assisted human reproduction last year to prepare a report on the possible approaches to the regulation of all aspects of assisted human reproduction and the social, ethical and legal factors to be taken into account in determining public policy in the area.
In examining the various issues, including that of sperm-banking, the commission is obliged to seek submissions from the public and to consult appropriately with relevant interested parties. The commission's report will provide the basis for informed public debate prior to the bringing forward of policy proposals on the matter.