Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
136. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will clarify the requirements on prospective surrogate parents in terms of travel documents to bring their newborn children home (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17845/23]
View answerAll travel document applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008, as amended. That legislation sets out specific requirements that any travel document applicant must fulfil, and issues of which the Minister for Foreign Affairs must be satisfied, before a travel document can issue.
A Guidance Document was published in 2012 on citizenship, parentage, guardianship and travel documents issues in relation to children born outside the State as a result of surrogacy arrangements. The Guidance Document was agreed by an Interdepartmental Group on Surrogacy, comprising the Departments of Justice, Health, Children, Foreign Affairs, and Social Protection, and the Office of the Attorney General (AGO). The guidelines can be accessed on my Department's website, www.dfa.iedia/dfa/alldfawebsitemedia/childrens-issues-surrogacy-guidance-document.pdf.
Issues around surrogacy are complex and fact specific, involving issues including citizenship, parentage and guardianship. Each travel document application submitted to this Department in the context of international surrogacy is reviewed on its own merits having regard to the requirements of the Passports Act 2008, the above-mentioned guidelines, and the specific factual situation that applies.
With regard to the specific case to which the Deputy has referred, my Department is in direct contact with the intending parent, and has provided guidance on the documentary requirements for the issuing of an emergency travel document.
