Association of Irish Clinical Embryologists (ICE)
* The Association of Irish Clinical Embryologists (ICE) was formed in the late 90's, initially meeting once a year to discuss lab procedures and new developments etc., but with the past 3 years or so taking a more formal approach having established a Constitution and Professional Code of Conduct.* ICE currently has 34 members, representing all 9 clinics on the island of Ireland.
* In the absence of any IVF regulation in Ireland, as a group we felt it necessary to self-regulate the use of donor sperm and decided that a limit of 3 families per donor should be adhered to. This was based on regulation in other countries of similar population size.
* As a group we are also conscious of the lack of any formal training in Ireland for embryology trainees and are currently discussing the possibility of setting up a training course, similar to our colleagues in the UK.
* ICE are getting more influential on standards, regulation etc. set for IVF practise in Ireland. We have members involved in the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction (CAHR), the Irish Fertility Society, the Association of Clinical Embryologists, and the Steering Committee set up by the Dept. Health and Children to look into the introduction in Ireland of the EU directive on tissues and cells. ICE also has representation on the European Assisted Conception Consortium (EACC), which was established to evaluate the implications of the directive on EU member states.
