Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Last week many colleagues raised the issue of embryonic stem cell research and a pending decision of the European Council on potential funding in this area in the future. The Leader said she would do her best to see if a debate could be organised, particularly given the current position of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on this matter, which seems to be at variance with a committee of the House. I know the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment will go back to the committee, but a debate in plenary session of this House would be very important. Could that be organised over the next week or so or at least prior to the decision on 27 November?