Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the three witnesses for being here and sharing their stories. Ms Roberts stated that in the vast majority of cases, everything is 100% fine but that there tends to be a kind of frenzy about this. That is not to dismiss some of the cases which may not have gone 100%, but still that is a really important point to bear in mind.

I wish to ask about birth certificates. This matter has been covered somewhat, but I want to hear what the witnesses think of this suggestion. What they are saying is that there would be some sort of register or record where people could check that information but that the intending parents would be the ones listed on the birth certificate.

Ms Roberts's statement on language was really interesting. She said that the language around surrogacy is important and that, having discussed it with other people, she believes it is important to them too. I have got feedback from some people who have been surrogates. I know everyone is different, but they do not like to be referred to as mothers. With a lot of surrogacy now, at least one of the intending parents is one of the genetic parents. Could the witnesses expand on the point about language?

Again, I sincerely thank the witnesses. It is great to hear their evidence. It just goes to show that openness and transparency are the key to so much of this. Obviously, we need legislation. What Ms Rowley-Smith said shows that people did not know what to do or how to deal with the situation and that if there were regulations and legislation, it would be so much easier. The fact that it is an open system and people are talking about it are key to this as well. I ask Ms Roberts to respond to my question about the language. Then, if anyone has any further comment on birth certificates, I would be interested to hear it, but I know the question has been answered in detail already.