The technicalities of the Minister's trip to Brussels at the end of November are simple. The EU announced its research budget of approximately €16 billion. There was huge controversy when it was discovered under one section of the fund that money would be allocated for embryonic stem cell research. Consequently, a moratorium was put in place. I understand at the Brussels meeting there will be expressions of opinion but no vote on the issue. Ultimately, the decision will be taken by the Council of Ministers. This may lead to more liberal actions with the budget, with less regulations and fewer guidelines as opposed to what may happen when the initial vote is taken.