Couples seeking an anonymous sperm or egg donor will be forced to travel abroad as new laws make it compulsory for donors to register their details.
The Children and Family Relationships Bill, which was given the go-ahead by the Cabinet yesterday, is designed to allow all children born through egg or sperm donation to find out the details of their parentage once they reach adulthood.
Fertility experts welcomed the Bill, but pointed out that it could lead to a drop in the number of men willing to donate sperm if the process is no longer anonymous.
Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald said the bill will provide much-needed clarity for non-traditional families, which now represent one third of all families, according to the last Census.
"If you're a man living with the parent of a child, and you're involved with that child's life over several years, a long period, it's saying to that person: you can access guardianship." said Minister Fitzgerald.
