John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I support calls for a debate on the western rail corridor but the debate should cover the overall way the rail services are used in Ireland. The Limerick-Ballybrophy and Rosslare-Limerick lines are not being used and that is part of a wider debate.

I support calls for a debate on stem cell research, about which I feel particularly strongly. Huge benefits may accrue from such research; for example, yesterday we learned that Dr. Robin Ali of the University of London had successfully used a vector to transfer a gene which may assist in preventing Parkinson's disease and other diseases. This is very positive but I am wary of a situation which could arise in which gene therapy would be used for cosmetic purposes, a situation with other resonances. Dr. Henry alluded to the fact that there is no need for embryo research when adult stem cells and bone marrow cells can be used. I note a trend in Europe to describe two types of embryo – those used for research and those used for other purposes, which is a very dangerous development as it ascribes a lesser value to one type of embryo.

The value of stem cell research cannot be lost on us, but we must be very careful and always ascribe to the embryo the dignity it deserves.