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

I thank the Chairman. This is so important for all of us and the timescale is a huge issue here. We see other EU countries use the family law framework and this is important in how we approach this. As Dr. Mulligan said we cannot cut and paste but would it be fair to say we just do not have anywhere in Irish law where this is covered properly? She outlined strict, moderate and liberal approaches. What does she feel would be the best option for us or does she feel we need to maybe address some of them? With the three options we always need to find a balance and I am just wondering where she feels that should be addressed.

My other question is whether Dr. Mulligan can tell me about the judgment in the UK this week. I am sure she is aware of it and I would like to hear her thoughts on this.

I would also like her opinion on the best way we could have fair compensation for surrogates. I am thinking of medical treatment and maternity benefits. The latter have been a big issue many people have come to me about with respect to both the surrogate mother and the intended mother. Funding is a big issue, as Dr. Mulligan knows, and we need to address that.

Those are my questions. I thank Dr. Mulligan for her opening statement.