John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I join with previous speakers in calling for a debate on stem cell research. I know we do not want to have a debate on the Order of Business, but some of the comments made here this morning are a little unbecoming given the seriousness of the issue. I, for one, have called for this debate on a number or occasions over the last few weeks. I am not aware that the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has refused to come before this House, but I am aware the Leader is trying to arrange a debate with the Tánaiste. Some of the remarks passed this morning were not justified. Without getting into the ethical issues, the reality is that there is an embargo on stem cell research until the end of this year. If a decision is not made at the end of this month there will be a free-for-all in the private sector to undertake embryo research with effect from next January. What people are trying to do here is to ensure any form of research is carried out under public control. That is the issue we are now facing, not the ethical issues which we can raise when we debate the matter in this House. The sooner we have this debate and clear up this matter the better.