Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy is aware, some countries within the European Union have historically been wedded to that technology as the source of their energy supply for many years. The matter is one on which there is a unanimous view in the House. It is open to the House at any time to decide what way it wishes to demonstrate that unanimity. Such debates have taken place and positions have been established in the House on previous occasions when the matter was up for discussion.

The question of stem cell therapy for treatment has arisen because of a story covered by the media this morning. Treatments based on stem cell research are at a very early and experimental stage and have not yet been licensed for use. The introduction of these treatments in future will depend on the evidence base for their effectiveness and safety. EU Directive 2004/23/EC, which sets standards of quality and safety for tissues and cells, will address this issue. The Tánaiste has appointed the Irish Medicines Board as the competent authority under the directive and it will have responsibility for ensuring that the specified standards under the directive are met.

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