Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I have a few questions. I have a question for Ms Cohen on the process in Canada and on the intermediaries. Who are the intermediaries, what are their roles and who engages and pays them? Is there regulation of those intermediaries? We all came to this committee with preconceived ideas about this issue. We have learned a great deal in recent weeks. Ireland seems to deal with this issue in the same way as we do with many complex and emotional issues, namely, by sticking our heads in the sand and pretending there is no problem, the consequence of which is to leave many vulnerable people at risk. We have an opportunity to progress this, draw a line under it and get it regulated. What impact would it have on the witnesses, their families or the people with whom they deal if this does not progress quickly through the Dail? The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill does not provide for retrospectively regulating nor does not it take account of international practice. Would would the impact of that be? I will go to Ms. Cohen first and then to the other witnesses.