Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Oct 2001

Vol. 543 No. 1

Written Answers. - Assisted Human Reproduction.

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction was established in March 2000 with the following terms of reference "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 this area".

The commission has met on eight occasions to date. The first meeting was held on 26 July 2000 and the most recent was on 13 September 2001. I understand the commission has adopted an interdisciplinary approach to its work. Initially each discipline – medical, legal, scientific and social – prepared a report outlining the current position within that discipline in relation to assisted human reproduction. Working groups were then formed to examine specific topics and issues that needed to be addressed. The working groups meet on a regular basis to discuss their tasks and to progress the work of the commission.

When the commission was set up, I indicated that it would be required to seek submissions from the public and to consult appropriate interests. To inform itself on the current state of public opinion in Ireland on assisted human reproduction, the commission recently placed an advertisement in the newspapers inviting interested members of the public, professional or voluntary organisations and other parties who wish to do so to make a written submission before Wednesday, 31 October 2001.

Given the difficult nature of the issues to be examined it is not possible to be definitive about the length of time it will take the commission to complete its work but I am satisfied that it is making significant progress and will continue its work as expeditiously as is feasible. The publication of the commission's report will provide the basis for informed public debate before the finalisation of any policy proposals.