Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
515. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to regulate and-or fund mitochondrial replacement therapy, sometimes called mitochondrial donation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7261/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, officials in my Department are currently drafting the General Scheme of legislative provisions relating to assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated research. This comprehensive piece of legislation will regulate a range of practices for the first time, including: gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research; surrogacy; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of embryos; posthumous assisted reproduction; and stem cell research. The legislation will also establish a specific regulatory authority for AHR.
Given the comprehensive nature of the proposed legislation a broad range of matters pertaining to AHR, including the issue of mitochondrial replacement therapy, will be considered as the General Scheme is developed.
It is important to note that the intention of the legislation in this area is to protect, promote and ensure the health and safety of parents, others involved in the process (such as donors and surrogate mothers) and, most importantly, the children who will be born as a result of AHR.
It is envisaged that the General Scheme will be completed by the end of June 2017. When the Scheme has been approved by Government for publication, it will be submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health for pre-legislative scrutiny.
