International surrogacy legislation
Deputy Richmond asked whether the Government would accept committee recommendations, amend the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill and set out a timetable for families affected by surrogacy rules. The Minister began to respond by referring to the special committee’s work and the ongoing legislative process.
As the special Joint Committee on International Surrogacy reaches its conclusions, will the Government accept its recommendations? Will the Government amend the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022? More importantly, will the Minister lay out a timetable for the many families, many of whom are outside the gates at the moment, to ensure that they can be seen as truly equal in the eyes of the State as soon as possible?
Comment on this
With regard to Deputy Pringle's question, my understanding is that work is ongoing with regard to the review of cardiac services, which is being led by Professor Philip Nolan. The timeline was impacted by Covid-19 but it is expected to be completed shortly.
I thank Deputy Conway-Walsh for raising the issue of these very important schemes. The Minister, Deputy Humphreys, is examining that issue and has engaged with stakeholders. She will come back to the Deputy further in relation to that issue.
Deputy Richmond raised the issue of international surrogacy. As the Deputy knows, a special committee was established by the Oireachtas to examine this and related issues. Once that work has been concluded and a report brought to Government, we will consider the outcome.