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

Many of my questions have been asked already. I am also of the firm belief that the legislation really needs to go through this time. There has been such uncertainty over the past few years and for the children and families, we need to give stability and certainty. When speaking with Professor Susan Golombok, I felt the research on parenting and child adjustment in surrogacy families was highly positive. We have had families before us and these are really heartbreaking stories. The parents are so dedicated to the children that we must move on this now. It is important we get a balance but this legislation must go through this time.

I have some questions for Professor Madden. Her statement was excellent. She feels the best way forward for Ireland is to ensure we have modern evidence-based surrogacy legislation domestically, so fewer people go abroad for surrogacy. Will she explain that a bit more for me? Another important part of her statement argued that we must consider how to best protect all those involved to the greatest degree possible, while recognising that we cannot regulate what happens in other countries.

This is important and we have all been touched by the witnesses we have heard from over the past few weeks. Again, it is important that the legislation goes through as soon as possible.