Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
599. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a report will be provided regarding the way in which private sector IVF is regulated; his further plans in place in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2870/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, currently there is no specific legislation in Ireland governing assisted human reproduction (AHR), although there is limited existing regulation relating to certain aspects of this area – for instance, regarding the use of gametes and embryos – as outlined in the response to a previous similar question submitted by the Deputy (PQ 194 of 17 October 2019; ref. 42703/19).
Given the lack of specific regulation in this area, the Government approved the drafting of a bill on AHR and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill. This comprehensive piece of legislation encompasses the regulation of a range of practices, including: gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research; surrogacy; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of embryos; posthumous assisted reproduction; and embryo and stem cell research. The General Scheme also provides for an independent regulatory authority for AHR. The provisions outlined within the General Scheme will ensure that AHR practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight.
In respect of the query as to whether a report will be provided on this issue, I wish to state that the focus of officials in my Department at this juncture is on ensuring that the legislation is published as soon as possible and thereafter assisting its progress through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
