Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Henry for raising this important issue and I concur with many of the sentiments she expressed.

Some years ago the cloning of Dolly the sheep generated international concern that the technique used might be extended to the cloning of human beings. Recent reports about the impending birth of a cloned human baby remind us that we are living in a time of major and rapid change in science and technology. We are witnessing, in particular, almost unprecedented developments in the ability of science to intervene in the process of human reproduction. The potential of science to control or even alter the natural process of the creation of human life raises basic and fundamental ethical questions for the medical profession, the Government and society as a whole.