Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2019
410. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the preparations undertaken for commencement of Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 by his Department and the HSE; the outstanding issues that remain; when Parts 2 and 3 will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16476/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are working towards putting in place a number of important administrative and operational arrangements that are essential for the implementation of Parts 2 & 3. This includes the establishment of the National Donor-Conceived Person Register (the “Register”), the purpose of which is to vindicate the rights of a donor-conceived child to access information on their genetic heritage. This is based on the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child concerning the right of a child to an identity and internationally regarded as best practice. However, as the Register will contain personal and potentially sensitive information about the various parties to a DAHR procedure, and particularly about the children born as a result of the procedures, robust data protection measures must be put in place prior to the establishment of the Register.
The commencement of Parts 2 & 3 of the Act also requires consent forms relating to the parties to a DAHR procedure (donors and intending parents) to be prescribed by regulations. The Department is liaising with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in relation to the drafting of those regulations.
In addition, the appointment of authorised persons to ensure compliance of DAHR facilities with their obligations under this Act also needs to be finalised. It is my intention that Parts 2 & 3 of the Act will be commenced as soon as possible.
