3571. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health for an update on the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024; the timeframe when it will be fully implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61765/26]

The Deputy will be aware that the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act was enacted, having passed all stages in both Houses of the Oireachtas and been signed into law by the President, in July 2024.

While the 2024 Act was progressing through the Houses of Oireachtas, issues were identified which required further consideration and consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. The formal drafting process for the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill is in its final stages, led by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, along with officials from my Department, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. I hope to be in a position to introduce the published Bill to the Dáil during the upcoming autumn term.

The AHR Amendment Bill is a very substantive piece of legislation. It is largely concerned with outstanding issues of parentage and citizenship, particularly in respect of children born as a result of a donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR) procedure or surrogacy arrangement undertaken abroad by Irish resident parents or undertaken by Irish citizen parents living abroad. It also seeks to make other necessary amendments to various other sections of the 2024 Act.

Some sections of the 2024 Act relating to the administrative functions of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) were commenced to formally establish the body. I also signed an Order in April to commence three subsections of section 232 of the 2024 Act. This allows for the parentage of some donor-conceived children not covered by the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 to be recognised.

However, the remaining provisions in the 2024 Act, which are practically all inter-connected, are largely contingent on the AHRRA becoming suitably operational and are subject to further amendment through the AHR Amendment Bill.

Finally, I want to assure you that further progressing the AHR legislation is a Government priority and a key commitment in the Programme for Government. Although it is not possible to set definitive timelines in this regard at this juncture, every effort is being made to ensure that outstanding work is concluded as soon as practicable.