Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have one other question on time limits for Ms Tinsley in respect of the six-month gap after surrogacy. A number of groups and individuals have identified this as a potential issue where the best interests of the child are not adequately protected if there is a six-month period where there are no legal parents. Earlier we examined of the issue of the surrogate mother and child being in a different jurisdiction. Dr. Geoffrey Shannon will make a submission to the committee on that. There may be bilateral agreements to protect against exploitation of the mother and the child. How do we deal with the six-month gap? Should the time within which consent to surrogacy can be given be shorter?