Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has reviewed the report (details supplied); if she has prepared legislation; when this legislation will be published and if this legislation will be dealt with before the end of the current Dáil. [39772/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction was established in March 2000. Its terms of reference were:

'To prepare a report on the possible approaches to the regulation of all aspects of assisted human reproduction and the social, ethical and legal factors to be taken into account in determining public policy in this area.'

The Commission conducted an intensive and analytical examination of Assisted Human Reproduction issues, and its conclusions derive from this wide research. Its report was prepared after twenty three meetings. It also consulted widely and sought submissions from the public. The Commission's report was published in May 2005 and the Government referred the report to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children. This process was intended to allow for further consideration of the complex issues involved and the Committee's report along with the report of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction, will help to inform future policy in this area.

In the meantime, I have instructed my Department to begin preparing for legislation in this area, and the recent High Court judgement will be examined as part of this process. This work will involve consideration of a wide range of issues in order to develop an appropriate structure for the regulation of this area. It is not possible at this point to say when this process will be completed.