Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I would like to ask the Leader if she could arrange a debate, if at all possible, on the Book of Estimates next week, so that we can discuss all the issues involved.

I support and echo the calls made by other Senators about the need for an informed and balanced debate on all the issues involved in stem cell research and in particular the comments made by Senators Dardis, Ó Murchú and Henry.

There is always an issue with Government commissioned reports which are endorsed, and how one adapts and applies them to local circumstances, which is not an open and shut case, or a Ten Commandments type of thing. There are legitimate points of view on that.