Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the opportunity to address the House on this matter. It is helpful to begin by placing the matter of embryonic stem cell research within the context of the overall EU framework programme for research and development. The Union organises the bulk of its research and development activity under the ambit of multi-annual framework programmes. The current programme, FP6, as the title suggests, is the sixth such programme and runs from 2003 to the end of 2006. The programme supports collaborative research involving industry, third level institutions and dedicated research organisations. Its fundamental aim is to enhance knowledge, understanding and innovation in Europe in order to raise living standards.

Over time, the framework programmes have expanded the scope of their activity. The initial focus was on information technology, whereas the current programme includes themes on genomics and biotechnology for health, information society technologies, nanotechnologies and nanosciences, food quality and safety and sustainable development.