Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

I thank the Minister for his reply which is at least moving to try to deal with the concerns I have raised. I ask that we try to find a mechanism, in so far as is possible, to clearly explain to individuals the potential uses to which this very valuable bio-bank could be put, not just for themselves but for society as a whole. This would mean that, unless someone had a real and genuine concern, such blood samples would be offered for medical research. As I said, the public very much believes such research should be facilitated.

Will the Minister ensure the report is published in full immediately? Extracts from it were published in one of the national newspapers last Saturday. It is important, therefore, that the full report is placed in the public domain as soon as possible in order that we can have a full and open public debate in advance of any option being given to the public in order that it is fully aware of the concerns raised.

Has a full assessment been carried out as part of the report of the potential uses to which such a bio-bank could be put? I note with interest that last Saturday, the day this issue was raised in the newspaper, members of the Roscommon football team were undergoing cardiac screening. It is unbelievable that, on the one hand, we are trying to screen young people and, on the other, there is a very large databank in place that could be used in ensuring every single young person in the country was screened for this and many other conditions. However, we cannot access it at this time.

See this speech in context