The establishment of the commission represents the essential first step of a process aimed at bringing forward policy proposals in regard to this area. The commission, which is chaired by Professor Donnelly, comprises the medical, scientific and legal expertise necessary for a detailed and informed examination of the possible approaches to regulation of the area. To date, the commission has met on 15 occasions. Its deliberations have been informed by an interdisciplinary approach to its work involving highly specialised working groups. A one day conference facilitated an exchange of views between experts in the various fields from Ireland, the UK, France and Germany.