Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The meeting is being convened to consider Committee Stage of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022. The primary objective of the Bill is to protect the rights and safety of all those involved in surrogacy arrangements. The Bill will achieve these objectives through the introduction of a regulatory framework for both domestic and international surrogacy arrangements in Ireland and the recognition of legal and parental status of persons involved in a surrogacy arrangement. In addition, the Bill will provide for the establishment of a surrogacy governing body, the assisted human reproduction regulatory authority, AHRRA. Provisions within the legislation will ensure that safeguards are in place for assisted human reproduction practice and research, and that oversight of the surrogacy process for Irish residents is provided. It is envisaged that, due to the size and scale of the Bill and the number of amendments, that more than one meeting of the select committee will be required.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard I ask all members, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. I also remind members that should a division be called, members must physically come to the committee room to vote.

For consideration of the Bill, I welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, to our meeting. A total of 256 amendments have been tabled. The grouping list has been provided to members. We will now consider each amendment. Before the meeting formally starts, I intend to suspend at around 11 a.m. for a comfort break. I believe that the Minister has some opening remarks.