Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to contribute at such short notice. I was enjoying watching the debate in the comfort of my office and all of the contributions have been excellent.

I wish to place on record that I am chairperson of the Medical Council's ethics committee. In that context, Senator Terry correctly quoted the council's guideline in this area. She also stated that the council is meeting in private to review the guidelines and its position. That is partly true. As chair of the Medical Council's ethics committee, I have set up a sub-committee to review the ethical code that governs doctors and consultants. The guideline on stem cells is part of the review, as are the guidelines on consent, advertising and so on. The Medical Council, therefore, is not meeting in private.

I felt more comfortable viewing the debate from my office. Unfortunately, my brother in law is seriously ill and suffers from Parkinson's disease. Stem cell research is an emotive issue and, as with all such issues, deep rooted feelings run high. There are things worse than death and I would love people to witness the life my sister leads together with her lovely husband and the terrible burden they must bear.