Heneghan calls equality audit on LGBTQ+ family rights

Independent TD for Dublin Bay North, Barry Heneghan, has called on the Taoiseach to commission an independent equality audit of legislation affecting LGBTQ+ families.

He has called on the Taoiseach to publish a “clear” timeline for the commencement of key provisions in the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 and related laws.

Speaking in the Dáil, the Dublin Bay North TD said the issue was personal to him; his sister and her wife are currently expecting their first child.

“Real fear and frustration are being felt by LGBTQ+ parents who are still not legally recognised as their children’s parents. This is not a health issue — it’s a matter of equality, dignity and legal certainty for families,” he told the Taoiseach.

Heneghan asked the Taoiseach to meet with the LGBTQ+ Parenting Alliance, saying it was important that “no family is left behind, particularly those whose children were born through surrogacy or donor conception outside the state.”

The independent TD said that the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024, while a good starting point, still contains some legal ambiguity.

In response, the Taoiseach said, “my understanding is that the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, has met the parents’ alliance. I certainly have no issue meeting them either, subject obviously to scheduling in terms of the diary.”

“I will speak to the Minister for equality and disability, Deputy Foley, on the question of an equality audit. It is an important issue. A lot of work has been done, but I understand fully the need to bring it to a conclusion,” he said.