Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I support Senators Lydon and Ó Murchú on the issue of embryonic stem cell research. A vote is taking place in the European Parliament today. The concept underlying the European project is meant to be subsidiarity, where decisions better made closer to the citizens could be made in that way rather than at a centre. It is time for us to once again have a debate on stem cell research because of the exact points raised by Senators Lydon and Ó Murchú. There is a danger that this decision making may be taken away from us in Ireland. It is time for us to debate the issue.

An horrific attack on a young fireman was mentioned some days ago, where a bottle was thrown and the man was seriously injured. I heard this morning on the radio that although gardaí and prison officers have compensation schemes in the event of being attacked or assaulted on duty, firemen do not. I am not sure if that is correct, but there was much discussion on the matter this morning on the radio. I heard the young man involved speaking. If it is correct, we should consider the matter seriously and immediately.