Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the House. I support the amendments tabled by Senator Norris. On the last occasion I also referred to the assisted human reproduction Bill. while I know that it is not before the House today, there are elements of that legislation with which I strongly disagree. I argue that some of it is actually out of date, even though we have not yet had a chance to debate it in this House. I refer specifically to the provisions dealing with anonymous egg donation and surrogacy, as highlighted by Senator Norris. We all have stories to tell of people who come to us to discuss fertility matters. I met one couple who were fortunate to have a child abroad using the father's sperm, a donor egg and a donor gestational carrier. They had obtained a passport for their child on the basis of the father's DNA material. However, only he is referenced on the child's birth certificate, which is so unfair. In Ireland birth certificates are documents five year olds, once they are able to read, will pull out of a drawer to examine and scrutinise. Imagine a five year old girl comparing her birth certificate with that of a friend and finding that the name of her mother is not on it. Imagine how that will make her feel.

The second issue concerns a friend of mine. I am sorry-----