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

I thank the witnesses. I was reading about this important topic last night. It is about legislation. We cannot rush this but, as Dr. Wingfield said, there is a concern because there has been no communication between the Department of Health and assisted human reproduction stakeholders since 2019. We are now in 2022. This is a concern for us because, as we have said previously, the committee is meant to sit for three months. Those in the field understand more and have more statistics and figures. We are learning all the time, which is important. This is of concern.

Dr. Wingfield said an upper age limit should be specified. A previous submission by the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggested 40 years of age. Will Dr. Wingfield come back to me on why this is being recommended? Dr. Wingfield spoke about counselling. What type of counselling does she suggest would be best for those going through surrogacy? It is important. It is being spoken about with regard to the assisted human reproduction Bill.

Many families have contacted me about funding IVF and I am sure the witnesses must also see it. I ask them to tell me more about the funding issues they experience. People who cannot afford it have come to me. It is an issue we need to address. I am sure it is something on which the witnesses have more information than I do.