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Assisted Human Reproduction

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2022

Wednesday, 18 May 2022

Ceisteanna (234, 235)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

234. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to introduce regulation of IVF clinic services. [25137/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

235. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to enact the Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Bill 2022. [25138/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022 (AHR Bill) passed Second Stage in the Dáil on March 23rd 2022 and has been referred to the Select Committee on Health for Third Stage.

The AHR Bill proposes to introduce, for the first time in this country, a regulatory framework for assisted human reproduction (AHR), which is a complex, innovative and fast-moving area of medicine.

Ireland is currently very much an outlier internationally. The State is not funding advanced AHR treatment at present and we do not have a specific regulatory framework in place in respect of this area of health care. This means that individuals are currently availing of complex and sometimes risky procedures without the benefit of a regulatory framework.

The new rules, regulations and provisions that will be provided through this legislation will help bring guidance, clarity and peace of mind.

Post-commencement of the Act, the main ensuing budgetary requirements will relate to the establishment and running costs of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA for short).

A Regulatory Impact Analysis in respect of the AHRRA was undertaken in 2017 and it estimated the combined set-up and operational costs for one year as being between €1.6m and €2.5m, dependent primarily on the level of functions or services the new body may share with another public body or other public bodies. The budgetary requirements for the AHHRA will be kept under ongoing consideration as more detailed planning for the establishment of the Authority progresses and, having regard to amendments, if any, to the proposed legislation that may impact on the AHRRA as the Bill progresses through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Question No. 235 answered with Question No. 234.
Question No. 236 answered with Question No. 231.
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