Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

As one who requested this debate, I welcome the Minister to the House. I heard her contribution on "The Marian Finucane Show" which, as I said that morning in the House, was honest, transparent and generous in her acceptance of the many ethical issues which have still not been resolved. It was a good presentation. The debate in this House is a benefit to democracy because there are two parties in Government which can express different views and are allowed to do so. I hope we will see that happening more often. I am sorry I am at variance with the Minister because, of all the politicians, she is one I regard exceptionally highly, both for her leadership and courage. I know she will not mind if we vary on different views because that is what debate is about.

It is a pity the debate took so long to be held, for which I do not blame the Minister. Today, we have roamed over such issues as science, law, philosophy, ethics and theology. The House of Lords select committee on stem cell research found those same issues exceptionally testing. I do not believe this issue belongs to any gender or age group or to intellectuals or professionals. Rather, it belongs to the whole human family. That is why that human family, particularly on the island of Ireland, has the opportunity of expressing its views. To date, people have not had that opportunity because of the manner in which this issue is being brought forward.