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

I thank the Minister for her response. To be fair, I completely agree with her and am happy to hear her say this Bill does not cover a wide range of issues. Can I presume, in that, she is referring to donor-assisted human reproduction with regard to related persons or intergenerational donation?

I was very disappointed the justice committee hearing on this Bill was so short. It was one I attended because I have a great interest in this area, so I know it was less than a full day. I did not think it was open enough. All of us, across the House, have an interest in this issue because of how serious it is. We are talking about creating human beings. It is a phenomenal gift; it is the gift of life. Nonetheless, there is the question of how we manage that. We have a duty to take into account people's experiences. Maybe we will do things a little differently. I regret the justice committee did not, for example, listen to Dr. Joanna Rose, and I believe there was a lady talking to George Hook this week, Elizabeth Howard, who had great concerns about having been donor-conceived. We are now beginning to hear of the fallout from this process. What we should be doing is learning from it in order to create the right regulation.

There is potential for great debate on this issue. I am grateful the Minister has indicated there will be hearings. Am I correct there will be a broader consultative process?

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