Joe O'Toole (Independent)

However, I read the piece in the Irish Independent this morning. It was the only newspaper to carry the story, and it has no by-line. This is a matter of extraordinarily serious consequence and I accept that people hold different views. I suspect that views differ on both sides of the House. This morning I had made special note to raise this issue in the House, because people should discuss it seriously and should consider all the views.

Members have seen the suffering that has come to families which cope with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and a range of other issues. While I neither know nor purport to put forward the answers in this regard, apparently such conditions may be alleviated to some extent by stem cell research. I also understand that people have different views in this regard. Last week, they were articulated in this House by Senators Ó Murchú, Quinn and other Members in respect of the difference between embryonic stem cells and adult cells. I am not familiar with the various arguments for and against such research.

However, this is absolutely crucial. For me, it recalls a debate in this House in 1989, when my colleague, Senator Norris, asked for a debate on AIDS. Debate on that subject was absolutely resisted for a long number of months. Eventually, this was the first House in which it was discussed. That was in 1987 or 1989, I cannot remember the exact date. This is a major issue and while it sits in the ether, ordinary people will be led down the garden path. Perhaps they will go to quacks who do not know anything about it and purport to provide treatment which will not be effective at all. This issue must be regulated and co-ordinated.

I am concerned the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, apparently stated something different to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin. They are entitled to hold different views. My purpose is not to open up or create splits in the Government. It is to highlight the fact that we need to discuss this matter. One of the Ministers should come to the House for a debate. It will not be a party political debate as the Leader's side of the House will have as much interest, information and concern as this side.

We must approach the matter by listening to one another's points of view. We may differ on the issues but we will come to conclusions or at least become more informed. We will be able to tell our constituents what are our views. We may not all agree but we will be able to progress the matter in a way that reflects the views of the country, and everybody will have their views on the record. This debate is essential and urgent. Will the Leader find time to have it?

This time last year the Leader gave me a commitment to debate early child care on the first week back after the summer recess and she delivered on it. I do not want a rushed debate on this issue.