Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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535. To ask the Minister for Health when the provisions of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 dealing with donor assisted human reproduction will commence; the timeframe envisaged until these provisions are operational; his views on whether the non-commencement of this section is a matter of serious concern to many same-sex couples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27526/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 is to reform and update family law to address the needs of children living in diverse family types. The provisions in Parts 2 and 3 of the Act dealing with donor-assisted human reproduction apply to heterosexual couples, same sex female couples and single women who undertake such procedures.

As outlined in my answer to the Deputy’s previous question on this matter, Parliamentary Question Number 992 of 16 September 2016, it was agreed that a transition period would be required between the enactment of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 and the commencement of Parts 2 and 3 of that Act. This transition period will help to facilitate the switch to the new regulatory framework, which involves non-anonymous gamete and embryo donation. In particular it provides time for officials in my Department to conduct the necessary preparatory work required to enable these provisions (including provisions relating to the National Donor-Conceived Person Register) to enter into force.