Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses, in particular Ms Wheatley. Her story was very refreshing, particularly regard in to identity with the child. I welcome that. We need to hear the real stories and that is very important for all of us.

I have several questions. I apologise that I was late but I was attending oral questions to the Taoiseach, and I am not sure if some of my questions were asked. This issue falls under the three Departments of Justice, Transport and Health but, surprisingly, not the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. It is very important that we have a separate committee to discuss this. While we do not have a roadmap, what are the witnesses’ hopes for the special joint Oireachtas committee on international surrogacy? What do they hope to achieve from this?

My second question is to Dr. O'Mahony on his report. I want to ask about the approaches taken in different countries. Does he think the discussion on corruption and exploitation is helpful? He suggests Irish surrogacy over international surrogacy in the report, and he might come back to me on that.

On the question of family through surrogacy, my understanding is that six regular couples in Ireland are going to Ukraine on their surrogacy journey. Are they getting the support they need, given the political situation?

My last question is for Equality for Children. In 2015, the Children and Family Relationships Act was passed. What has happened since its commencement in May 2020? How can we learn from this legislation to strengthen the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill? I again thank the witnesses.