Legislation governing human fertility treatments will be published before next year's general election, Tánaiste Michael McDowell said.
He said that Minister for Health Mary Harney had instructed her officials to begin drafting the legislation to deal with the matter.
"A commission examined the matter, as did an Oireachtas committee, a sub-committee of which produced a draft report. Legislation will be put in place. It is not a question of political cowardice.
"This is a delicate issue in which there are a variety of interests," he said.
Pressed on the issue by Labour deputy leader Liz McManus, the Tánaiste said Ms Harney was determined to deal with the regulation of fertility clinics. "The entire Cabinet is so determined. There is no political reluctance."
Asked by Ms McManus if he expected the legislation to be published before the election, Mr McDowell replied: "I do."
Earlier, Ms McManus asked if the Cabinet had the courage to deal with patient safety in respect of fertility clinics.
"The High Court decision has opened a door that enables the Government to introduce promised legislation to regulate assisted human reproduction, in vitro fertilisation," she said.
