Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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322. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to enact the Health Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2024 immediately and to extend leave entitlement to include surrogacy as no such leave is provided for within the public sector (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36849/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to acknowledge the challenges faced by couples pursuing surrogacy arrangements and reaffirm Government's commitment to recognising and supporting Irish families in all their diversity.

The Programme for Government 2025 - Securing Ireland's Future commits to introducing paid surrogacy leave and my officials are examining this commitment. They are also engaging with officials from the Department of Social Protection as the Minister for Social Protection has responsibility for the payment of any associated benefits.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Minister for Health leads on the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024, which includes provisions in relation to surrogacy which have implications for the introduction of surrogacy leave. Policy on parentage is a matter for the Minister for Justice. The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has worked closely with the Department of Health and the Department of Justice on the development and enactment of the 2024 Act and continues to do so.

Family leave provisions are kept under review to ensure that they are effective and respond to the needs of families. Family leave entitlements are also mindful of the impact of the leaves on workplaces.