Seanad debates
Wednesday, 19 November 2003
Stem Cell Research: Statements.
With regard to Irish Medical Council guidelines or whatever approach we take in Ireland, I hope that, when the Commission reports, we can have the type of debate which has been called for. I also hope we can have legislation in this whole area. To a large extent, as I understand it, we are operating only under Medical Council practice rather than guidelines. We do not have any laws in this area and I am not suggesting they will be easy to frame. However, I am certain we will hear a great deal more in this regard. We, in Ireland, need to decide for ourselves, on the basis of the facts and expert information as it becomes available. There is a lack of agreement among the experts, whether in the area of medicine, science or law. One of the wonderful features of experts is that they can take differing points of view while being equally convincing sometimes. I find this a particular feature in relation to law. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board Bill will be before this House tomorrow. Some lawyers will argue very strongly that it will not work. Equally, there will be some who will say how well something will work. That is what is wonderful about the professions and the reason we need them.
No comments