It is understood Mr Harris will commit to outlawing commercial surrogacy and the payment for egg, sperm or embryo donors. The memo will provide for an ethical framework with clear rules for the welfare of the child, woman and informed consent. The proposed legislation would also deal with other aspects of assisted human reproduction including the use of donor gametes and IVF.

The Minister will also commit to detailing a policy direction for State funding for fertility treatment. This will entail outlining the criteria by which an individual, or a couple, can receive financial assistance. It would not be limited to those with medical cards, nor dependent on the level of personal income. The Minister is examining state-funding of fertility treatment in Britain as a model to inform his proposed scheme for this country.