Dr. Tony Holohan:

Deputy Durkan spoke about the regulatory authority and the scheme sets out in detail a range of provisions around the powers, the board, the working methods and so on for the regulatory authority functions in quite a bit of detail. There would be committee structures to deal with some of the kinds of representation and expert input of the kind being asked about. Ms Luddy will talk us through some of the provisions relating to consent, which is a key process. Informed consent operates through all the relevant sections of the Act and nothing can happen without the informed consent of all the parties involved in any stage of the process, whether it is in terms of donation, research, etc.

With respect to birth certificates, the scheme provides for a court-based process through which an application can be made either by a parent or both intending parents or the surrogate. Ultimately, there are powers for a court to issue a parental order, including notice to the registrar of births, marriages and deaths, and there would be provision for changes to be made with respect to birth certs. Amended birth certs can be issued in line with that change in parental orders.