Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
767. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health for an update on the proposed Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill; when she expects legislation to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56639/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 was signed into law by the President in July 2024, having passed all stages in both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The primary purpose of this complex and far-reaching legislation is to regulate fertility clinics providing treatment such as IVF (in-vitro fertilisation), ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) and IUI (intrauterine insemination) and ensure that assisted human reproduction (AHR) practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight. Therefore, the AHR Act 2024 encompasses the regulation for the first time of a wide range of practices undertaken in Ireland, including: the use and donation of gametes and embryos for AHR and research; pre-implantation genetic testing of embryos; posthumous assisted human reproduction; and embryo and stem cell research. The establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority, as provided for in the legislation, is a vital aspect required for the effective regulation of this sector.
The AHR Bill as initially published also included provisions in respect of domestic altruistic surrogacy. However, the final AHR Act 2024 also includes substantive new provisions in respect of the regulation of future surrogacy arrangements undertaken by Irish residents in other jurisdictions and the recognition of parentage arising from certain past domestic and international surrogacy arrangements.
While the AHR Act 2024 was progressing through the Houses of Oireachtas, issues were identified which required further consideration and consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. Formal drafting of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) (Amendment) Bill – which is largely concerned with outstanding issues of parentage and citizenship, but also seeks to make other necessary amendments to various sections of the AHR Act 2024 itself – is at an advanced stage, led by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, in conjunction with officials from my Department, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
I welcome the publication on October 8th of the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health in relation to pre-legislative scrutiny of the AHR Amendment Bill and would like to thank the Cathaoirleach, the Deputy, other Committee members and staff for their positive engagement on this matter. The report is being considered by my Department and also other relevant Departments.
I assure the Deputy that publishing the AHR Amendment Bill is a priority for Government and work is continuing to achieve this as soon as practicable.
