Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome any Bill that brings regulation to practices in Ireland for its citizens. I understand that the number of treatment cycles in 2020 was 9,878 and that no particular treatment procedures have been in place. As such, I welcome the clarity that the Bill will bring. I also understand that the Government is planning to put in place a model of care for infertility treatment. The Bill probably does not go far enough, though, in that it does not cover international surrogacies. A special Oireachtas joint committee has been set up and had its first meeting today.

I commend the Minister for Foreign Affairs and his team on their work in bringing home from Ukraine children born by surrogacy and their mothers. Speaking as a father of four and as a grandfather, there is no joy in life like seeing a newborn, healthy baby in the world. Those teenagers who were born by surrogacy in Ukraine or who were adopted from there – I know a fabulous 18-year-old girl who was adopted from there when she was three – are feeling for what they see happening in Ukraine.

I have friends and know others who have gone through years of trying to have families – fertility treatments, IVF etc. – and have had beautiful babies. I was recently at the christening of a young boy conceived through IVF. After that six-year journey, it was fantastic to see that family unit.

I welcome any legislation that protects children who will be born through surrogacy or IVF in this country, but I hope that we can go further and protect children who have already been, or will be, born through surrogacy and who come to this country from abroad, for example, Ukraine. I thank the people who have created such joy by allowing loving mothers, fathers and partners who, for whatever reason, could not have children themselves to become family units.

I also thank those who provide foster care for many children. They have protected young children in difficult circumstances.

I welcome the Bill and any protection that is provided to children.

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