Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
1202. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 945 and 946 of 27 January 2026, the reason no clear next steps or timelines have yet been set out for the inclusion of same sex couples in the publicly funded assisted human reproduction scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10413/26]
View answerAs previously advised, the access criteria and the terms of the assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment initiative are being kept under ongoing review by the Department of Health and the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme, who engage directly on a day-to-day basis in respect of operational matters with both their HSE colleagues in the Regional Fertility Hubs, as well as the HSE-approved private providers.
Consideration has been and is being given to extend the types of AHR treatment provided under the initiative, including treatment involving the use of donated gametes. Nevertheless, and as previously advised, there are a number of further clinical and regulatory requirements regarding the donation of gametes and the use of such gametes which will arise from provisions in the AHR legislation, once it has been fully commenced.
Notwithstanding the above, extensive consultation between Department officials, colleagues in the HSE, and relevant specialists in the field of reproductive medicine on this matter is continuing, including in respect of examining the position in other jurisdictions regarding publicly funding such treatment and the consideration of additional funding requirements which may ensue from such an expansion of the initiative. This consultation process will inform any policy decisions in relation to any potential expansion of the initiative.
I would also point out that it would be prudent to have the appropriate regulatory framework in place before a decision on the State providing for the type of treatment the Deputy is referring to is made. I am not in a position, therefore, to provide definitive timelines or indeed a definitive policy position in relation to same at the present time.
Finally, in relation to same-sex male couples, the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 includes provisions which will introduce the regulation of surrogacy in Ireland. However, these provisions have not yet been commenced and there are no plans to introduce public funding of AHR treatment undertaken in pursuance of a surrogacy arrangement. My officials inform me that very few, if any, other jurisdictions provide public funding in respect of the carrying out of surrogacy arrangements.
