Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this Bill, which has been a long time coming. I commend those who have campaigned to put this issue on the table. I am sure the Bill will be welcomed by families and potential parents who have been waiting a long time for proper regulation in the area of assisted human reproduction. Many have had to travel abroad to access surrogacy having not been able to conceive themselves. The fact that this option will now be available domestically is a significant development for those in need of assistance.

The HSE estimates that one in six couples experience infertility. This gives us an idea of the number of people who may seek assisted human reproduction services in the future. We all know that treatments can be very costly. A single IVF treatment costs between €4,000 and €6,000. In order to have a successful pregnancy, it could cost tens of thousands of euro. Sinn Féin wants the Minister for Health to make IVF available through the public health system. We want to see these options made available to as many people as possible. Cost cannot be a barrier.

One of the concerns with the Bill is that families who have already availed of surrogacy abroad will not have the same rights as those who have children by means of surrogacy after the legislation passes. We cannot create a two-tier approach to parental rights. This will need to be addressed and clarified on Committee Stage. As it stands, the Bill gives rise too much uncertainty. We need to make sure we get this right. Previous Governments have been found wanting on the issue of assisted human reproduction. This Bill is a step forward. I welcome the establishment of the authority to oversee assisted human reproduction and advise people on it. I hope the authority can to get work as soon as possible.

My colleague, Deputy Cullinane, will seek to amend this Bill on Committee Stage, as I am sure will many other Deputies. Sinn Féin is committed to working constructively with the Minister to address the concerns raised by stakeholders.

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