Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for appearing before the committee today. My first question is for Ms O'Keeffe. The orders of reference for this committee say that we should ensure safeguards against the sale, trafficking and exploitation of children. How does she think this is best achieved? My second question relates to the authenticity of the DNA and the testing of same in this country. What happens if the surrogate mother cannot be present? What happens in that case?

My next question is for the Department of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Muiris O'Connor from the Department of Health told this committee on 7 April that the domestic prohibition on commercial surrogacy is predominantly based on ethical considerations relating to the welfare and commodification of the children involved, as well as the potential risks of coercion and exploitation of financially vulnerable women to act as surrogates. Does the Department of Foreign Affairs share this concern and if so, why?