The short answer: Ireland now has a statutory framework, but the surrogacy provisions are still being commenced in stages as of June 2026. Here's what that means in plain English.
The Act is designed around gestational surrogacy only — the surrogate carries an embryo created through IVF and is not genetically related to the child. The intended domestic model is altruistic: the surrogate may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, but cannot be paid a fee. Commercial surrogacy, and most payments beyond genuine expenses, are prohibited domestically.
The 2024 Act created a statutory regulator, AHRRA, to oversee assisted human reproduction including surrogacy. AHRRA was established in October 2025, but the wider surrogacy framework is still being brought into operation in stages. For official guidance, see ahrra.ie. We explain the regulator in detail in our guide to AHRRA.
Irish intended parents can pursue surrogacy either at home or abroad. The key practical difference is that the Act's domestic framework is intended to be fully altruistic and relies on personal connections rather than a commercial matching agency, while international surrogacy is the route many families take. The legal steps differ depending on which parts of the Act are in force for your situation.
At birth, the surrogate is registered as the legal mother. Intended parents then apply to court for a parental order — usually within six months — to become the child's legal parents. Read our parental orders guide for how that works.
Get independent legal advice early, choose between the domestic and international pathways, and line up an appropriately licensed fertility clinic, a solicitor experienced in AHR law, and a qualified counsellor. When you're ready, register your interest and we'll point you to the right next step.
Ireland now has the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 and AHRRA has been established, but the surrogacy provisions are being commenced in stages. As of June 2026, the exact route depends on whether you are dealing with current international pathways, past arrangements, or future domestic arrangements, so current legal advice matters.
No. Domestic surrogacy must be altruistic. A surrogate can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, but payment beyond that is prohibited. Some intermediary payments may be permitted in international surrogacy contexts, but only where the route complies with Irish law and current legal advice.
The Act is designed to be inclusive of different family types. Eligibility, screening and approval are handled through the AHRRA process and with independent legal advice — speak to a solicitor about your specific situation.
No. The surrogate is the legal mother at birth. Intended parents apply to court for a parental order (generally within six months) to transfer legal parenthood.
Register your interest and we'll point you to the right regulated pathway and the professionals who can help. Surrogacy.ie is an information service — we don't match parties ourselves.
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