I refer to the stressful situation in which some same-sex parents find themselves in the absence of parental rights and recognition. The remaining sections in Parts 2, 3 and 9 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 need to be implemented to ensure both parents are recognised as parents of their children. Along with this, the general scheme of the assisted human reproduction Bill 2017, which has been considered by the joint committee, seems to have stalled. Action is needed on the Bill to support these parents.

A number of amendments need to be made from both a health and civil registration perspective. The amendments to my Bill will, hopefully, come before the House after Christmas and the Minister for Health is aiming to do the same in respect of his legislation.