In line with the requirements set out at the outset of the process in relation to the need to establish the current state of public opinion in Ireland on assisted human reproduction, the commission has consulted widely with appropriate interests and has sought submissions from the public. More than 1,600 submissions were received in response to an advertisement in the newspapers inviting interested members of the public, professional or voluntary organisations and other parties who wished to do so to make written submissions. Various information gathering exercises involving clinics providing assisted human reproductive services, GPs and gynaecologists, have been carried out. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing consultation and with a view to shaping its final report, I understand the commission will hold a public workshop in February 2003.