Séamus McGrath
Ceist:291. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Health when it is intended to fully implement the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13186/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 18 February 2026
Ceisteanna (291)
Freagraí scríofa
As 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 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. The 2024 Act 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; and embryo and stem cell research. The establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA), as provided for in the legislation, is a vital component in the effective regulation of this sector.
The AHR Bill as initially published also included provisions in respect of domestic altruistic surrogacy. However, the final 2024 Act 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 2024 Act 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 2024 Act itself – is at an advanced stage, led by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, along with officials from my Department, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
Some administrative sections of the 2024 Act have been commenced, specifically to formally establish the AHRRA. In addition, work is underway with a view to commencing section 232 of the 2024 Act. This will result in the parentage of some donor-conceived children not covered by the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 being recognised.
I am sure the Deputy will acknowledge that much progress has been made on our path to providing the necessary oversight and regulation of assisted human reproduction.
This is a very complex area and we need to get it right. For practical and legal reasons, the 2024 Act can only be fully commenced when the Regulatory Authority is fully operational and the Amendment Bill is enacted.