Seanad debates
Wednesday, 19 November 2003
Stem Cell Research: Statements.
This issue has been around since the summer of 2002. The vote which is to take place is not about funding. I am being asked not to vote for funding, but it is already EU policy that there will be funding, although there is a moratorium on its use until the end of this year. If we do not have guidelines and regulations by 1 January – this relates to Senator Hayes's question – the matter will go to a committee of which we are members. We are also members of the ethical committee. If the committee does not agree to a funding proposal from the Commission, the matter goes to the EU Council. At that level, it can be blocked by a blocking majority. Since at least ten countries are in favour of this proposal, there is no question of there being a blocking majority. Accordingly, the research will proceed without any guidelines.
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