Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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408. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the regulation of surrogacy services and assisted human reproduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6525/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In February 2015, I received Government approval to draft the General Scheme of a Bill for assisted human reproduction, which will include provisions relating to numerous different aspects from the beginning to the end of the assisted human reproduction process including consent, embryo transfer, gamete (sperm and egg) and embryo donation and the screening of embryos for serious genetic diseases. There will also be a number of provisions relating to surrogacy and the assignment of parentage in such cases. Drafting of the General Scheme is ongoing.

Following the completion of the draft General Scheme, I intend to submit it to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children for pre-legislative scrutiny. In addition, my Department will conduct a widespread consultation on the draft General Scheme during which stakeholders and members of the public will be invited to share their views.

It is my intention that the legislation will promote and ensure the health and safety of parents, others involved in the process (such as surrogate mothers) and, most importantly, the children who will be born as a result of assisted reproduction.