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

It is important that people hear the witnesses' stories. That is how to make change. They should tell their stories because there are people out there with similar stories who are not telling them. I firmly believe the only way to make change is by increasing awareness. That is not easy though. The stories we have heard today have been emotional - we have all been affected by them - and truthful. There has been a respect at this meeting for surrogacy, working together and communicating. We have attended many meetings, but today's has been mind-blowing.

Issues like the children's allowance, maternity benefits, medical needs and so on have been discussed. Dealing with them will be part of moving forward. I have four children. They are reared at this stage, but there was a cost to it every day. We need to address this issue. Where will solutions be found or where do the witnesses believe we can change the legislation on maternity benefits, medical benefits and other benefits that are a child's entitlement? We are talking about babies that are entitled to these benefits. That is their given right and we as a society cannot stand over them not getting something. We need to address this matter and ensure no child is not part of our community, the school community or society just because the child feels he or she comes from a different family. This is the change we need to make. What change do the witnesses feel is required, even if it is just a small one? Something all of us have discovered down the years is that it is not until we are faced with these realities that we learn a great deal and make that change. I am a firm believer in this.

The issue of counselling has arisen at a few of our meetings. It will play a significant role for children and adults as they reach different parts of their lives. Perhaps the witnesses might suggest solutions in this respect. We are here today to regulate, to ensure there is a law and to get this through for the children who need us.

The issue of passports has been raised. There is a considerable delay in processing passport applications, particularly for children's passports. For people who have gone to Ukraine or another country, we need to find a solution. Witnesses appearing before us yesterday spoke about the regulation of surrogacy in England. One of them mentioned that the surrogate would go on the birth certificate first, after which a parental order would be made to put the intending mother on the certificate as well.

I am all for there being communication, photographs, telephone calls and meetings, and I compliment today's witnesses on making that point. Having all of that is important. There has to be communication on all sides. I believe England has a register. Do the witnesses believe we should consider having a register as well? We cannot say there will be no point of contact. There will always be contact. That is important for everyone.

I cannot let this opportunity go without mentioning Ms Merrigan, whom I know. We have spoken about Carlow, which I am proud to say is my own area. As anyone and everyone knows, I am a Carlow woman. I know some of the families involved personally, especially that lady. I will not mention her name, but she rang me on the day she brought her son for his six-week check-up because she was not allowed to go in with him. She was devastated. She was crying when she rang me. Her mother is my best friend. I could not believe it and was floored. She is an excellent mother and has the most beautiful son you will ever come across, like the witnesses' own children. I can see how proud they all are when speaking about their children. Another friend of mine, Sarah, had to stay outside in a car park when her child was sick. Her husband went into the hospital, but she could not go in and sit with her child. It is not right. This is why we must ensure we have proper legislation that is fair and inclusive, which is what the witnesses are seeking.

As Ms Bonnie stated, it is great to see people who think alike and are in the same situation. I thank Ms Bonnie. We have heard from her before, and she was excellent. Something that moved me today was that each of the witnesses had his or her own story and family unit, each story was personal, and the witnesses were fighting to protect what they had. That is honourable, so well done. Perhaps they will revert to me with answers.