Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will make two other points. I mention in particular my constituents, Brian and Kathy Egan, from my home town of Callan in County Kilkenny. They are currently in the High Court in relation to this. They are an example of a family who are courageously putting their story out there in a very difficult time in their lives. It shows that not everyone has the time. That is why I will continue to raise this matter at every opportunity. As soon as I know the Bill is with the Joint Committee on Health, I will be on to it asking it very nicely to push it along.

On retrospection, I always chance asking if it can be dealt with now because, as the saying goes, if you do not ask, you will never know. When the legislation is passed, does the Minister expect that people will then be able to go for parental orders? There is some concern in the groups that this could be delayed if an agency is established for people engaging in surrogacy in the future. That is understandable. Will the retrospective element be signed off as soon as the legislation is up and running?

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