Written answers

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Department of Children, Disability and Equality

Legislative Process

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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2299. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the Health Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2024 will commence; if maternity leave entitlement will be included for people going through the journey of surrogacy within the private and public employment sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41299/25]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to acknowledge the difficulties experienced 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 how best to implement 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.

Decisions on the date of commencement of the 2024 Act are matters for the Minister for Health. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will work closely with relevant Departments once the 2024 Act has commenced to finalise proposals for surrogacy leave.

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