1983. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress and latest engagements he has had with the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality on the Programme for Government commitment to introduce paid surrogacy leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56565/26]

My colleague the Minister for Health has responsibility for the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024.  This complex and far-reaching legislation encompasses the regulation for the first time of a wide range of practices undertaken in this jurisdiction, including domestic altruistic surrogacy, but also provides for the regulation of future surrogacy arrangements undertaken by Irish residents in other jurisdictions.

In addition, the legislation allows for the recognition of parentage arising from past domestic and international surrogacy arrangements.  The implementation of this legislation is a prerequisite for the introduction of surrogacy leave and benefit.

The latest engagement of officials from my Department with officials from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality was in June 2026.