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How to check a surrogacy counselling provider

This page does not list, approve or recommend counsellors. It helps readers verify a provider's qualifications, scope, privacy and current role before arranging a session.

Do not assume an AHRRA approval route is operational. The 2024 Act contains future counselling and regulatory functions, but commencement is provision-specific. Check the current Irish Statute Book commencement table and any official AHRRA or Department of Health notice.

Questions for the provider

Qualifications and professional standing

Ask for the practitioner's name, qualification, professional body, registration or accreditation status, and experience relevant to fertility or surrogacy. Verify those details directly with the named body.

Purpose and scope

Ask whether the session is therapeutic support, an assessment, a report for a clinic or legal process, or something else. Confirm who the client is and who will receive any report. A support session and a statutory assessment are not interchangeable.

Privacy and records

Before disclosing medical or family information, ask what is recorded, how long it is retained, the limits of confidentiality, and whether information may be shared with a clinic, solicitor, regulator or another party.

Fees and arrangements

Confirm the current fee, duration, cancellation terms, report charges and whether remote sessions are available. This site does not publish provider prices, waiting times or availability.

Public support routes

For current public mental-health information and service routes, use the HSE mental health hub. It does not replace emergency services or a provider's own suitability assessment.

For a legal or clinical requirement

Ask the solicitor, clinic or relevant public body to identify the precise current requirement and acceptable provider credentials in writing. Do not rely on a directory badge or a claim that a future statutory framework is already active.

Source review: 25 July 2026. Owner/legal review required before publication.