Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1 to amendment No. 6:

In paragraph (b)(iii), after "mother" to insert ", and if any, her spouse, civil partner or co-habitant.

This does not interfere with the agency of the surrogate in any way. It simply recognises, in circumstances where the woman has a partner, that the social and psychological implications for the partner are quite significant. Because of this it is advisable that there should be counselling provided. This is not a legal issue. It does not interfere with any legal right or provision but it does recognise the human situation for a potential partner. This is why I propose the amendment. It makes sense that we recognise the counselling needs of a potential partner.