Seanad debates

Thursday, 26 March 2015

Children and Family Relationships Bill 2015: Committee Stage

 

10:30 am

Photo of Fidelma Healy EamesFidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My point is also related to this because the debate being put forward by Senators Mullen and Quinn points to the fact that there is a missing piece which needs to be clarified. If this information is put on the record now, it may change how the debate continues. I would like my concerns to be put on the record. I have three questions.

The Bill will introduce the same problem as that which exists under English law. This boy's father, as a matter of nature and genetics, is his uncle in the eyes of the law. His mother, in the eyes of the law, is in fact his aunt. It is clear that there are issues for the child who results from donor-assisted reproduction using relatives as donors. Perhaps the Minister can clarify the matter. There is a deliberate blurring and entangling of the legal and biological family. The child's personal and family identity becomes confused and complicated by such procedures. We must think of that child. All babies-----

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.