Ms Orla O'Connor:

We overwhelmingly support the proposed Bill, and I outlined in the presentation the reasons for that. It is important that I gave a proviso that there are areas in the Bill where the issue of violence against women must be considered, and that must be taken into account more in the Bill. I have mentioned a few areas in this regard.

The area which has taken up much discussion is surrogacy and assisted reproduction, and I have argued that the National Women's Council does not have a comprehensive policy on the area. That is why we declined to comment much on it. We know many members have contacted us about the Bill, and from that correspondence we initially welcome the legislation in the area. There must be legislation in this regard. The matter will be discussed at our annual general meeting in June through motions, and the policy of the National Women's Council of Ireland will be about how we are advancing and protecting women's and children's rights. In discussing women's rights, we are taking in potential surrogates and those who intend to be parents. We must consider how to bring those rights together.