Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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1988. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to re-draft the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19514/21]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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2109. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the preparation of legislation on assisted human reproduction; when it is expected to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19884/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1988 and 2109 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill, is ongoing by officials in my Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. I can assure the Deputy that publication of this legislation is a priority for my Department and the Government, and a commitment to enact this legislation is included in the Programme for Government, “Our Shared Future”.

This comprehensive and far-reaching piece of legislation encompasses the regulation, for the first time in Ireland, of a wide range of practices, including: gamete (sperm or egg) and embryo donation for AHR and research; domestic surrogacy; pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of embryos; posthumous assisted reproduction; and embryo and stem cell research. The General Scheme also provides for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for AHR.

Overall, the provisions outlined within the Bill will ensure that AHR practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight. The aim of the AHR legislation is to promote and ensure the health and safety of parents and others involved in the process while, most importantly, consideration of the welfare and best interests of children born as a result of AHR is the key principle underpinning all legislative measures in this area.