Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Consideration has been given to all this in the review. I have explained that there can be some problems with putting it on a statutory basis. There is empirical evidence from other jurisdictions to confirm where the problems exist when it is put on such a basis. That is all I am saying. I am not saying it in favour or against the notion of putting it on a statutory basis — it is being considered. I am doing this to give information to the Deputy and if I can do so, he can decide what he wants to do with it.

It is true that the question of assisted reproduction techniques requires careful examination as it is a complex issue. It is being considered by a group in the Department that the Minister may have formed a couple of years ago. It is not a question of being paralysed by fear, but of treading very carefully where there are very serious ethical considerations.

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