Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I agree with previous speakers on the need for a measured debate on the issue of stem cell research. The Oireachtas health committee had a meeting yesterday on the related issue of assisted human reproduction. It is regrettable that it was leaked to The Irish Times even though it was agreed at the meeting it would not be reported. I compliment the work of Senator Henry on that important topic. The message I got from the meeting yesterday was that a commission has sat for some years on the issue, a report has been published and there is a major gap in the law in terms of protecting women, especially those undergoing IVF treatment. If we do not fill that gap as legislators, terrible scenarios will arise. Senator Ó Murchú made a valid point about commercialisation in the area of stem cell research but if we allow a scenario such as that the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, envisaged, namely, that we would not allow stem cell research here but are willing to benefit from research carried out abroad, we will have no control over——