Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can tell the Deputy now. He asked in respect of stem cell research and assisted human reproduction. I can inform the Deputy that the Minister for Health is examining proposals now to regulate assisted human reproduction and related matters that include stem cell research. He will make a decision on this in due course in the context of his legislative priorities. He is currently preparing a family relationships and children Bill. The intention of the Bill is to create a legal architecture underpinning diverse parenting situations and provide legal clarity on parental rights. It will address the legal issues in terms of parenting that arises for children born by means of surrogacy or assisted human reproduction.

In respect of the patient safety agency, the Department is in contact with the Health Service Executive on the details surrounding the establishment of the patient safety agency to ensure an identifiable and distinct leadership responsibility for patient safety and quality at national level, having regard to the need for a quality and safety function within the new delivery structures of the reform programme. Discussions are continuing with the HSE on establishing the patient safety agency, initially on an administrative basis, within the HSE structures in 2014. That will allow the patient safety agency to become an identifiable entity within the Health Service Executive and to facilitate a smooth transition of the functions to that authority.

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