International Surrogacy Committee will ensure views of families are heard – Seery Kearney

Dáil approval for the establishment of a Special Oireachtas Committee on international surrogacy will ensure the views of families are heard and recognised in proposed legislation, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Dublin South Central Senator Mary Seery Kearney said: “The Oireachtas Committee on Standing Orders and Dáil Reform has approved the establishment of a Special Joint Oireachtas Committee to consider the issue of international surrogacy.

“This is something I strongly welcome having called for it to be considered and progressed as it is essential there is consultation and collaboration on providing a pathway for both forward and retrospective acknowledgment of parenthood for Irish mothers of surrogate born children.

“The committee has been given a three month timeframe.

“I have said before that it is disappointing that the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill is progressing without the inclusion of the international and retrospective elements, and I know this has caused concern to families and advocacy groups.

“My hope is that this committee will provide a means by which the complexities can be explored and ethical solutions found.

“It is intended that Government would provide to the committee a detailed options paper to inform its consideration of the matter.

“Once agreed, the committee will report back to Government with recommendations which would then be considered for committee stage of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill as it moves through the Houses.

“I am very grateful to Justice Minister Helen McEntee for her driving of this matter to ensure there is a full and robust hearing of all of the issues with hope of a resolution for children who currently do not have a right to a legal relationship with their mothers,” Senator Seery Kearney concluded.