Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes asked for clarification of the Government's position on the Hanly report. I can only report what the Minister for Health and Children has said. I heard him on the radio this morning say that the Cabinet has "signed off on Hanly".

Senator Brian Hayes also asked that the Tánaiste come to the Seanad to debate stem cell research. We are in contact with the Tánaiste and we hope a debate will be held shortly. I did not hear her on the radio this morning but it appears she made a good show for herself and was open about the matter under discussion.

Senator Henry raised the same matter. She pointed out the three main issues in the debate, which was salutary. The Senator understands this issue, but many of us will have much to learn from the debate. Senator Ryan called for a debate on the ethics of this issue within the Houses of the Oireachtas.