John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I share in the calls for a debate on the decision by UCC on embryonic stem cell research. Given that the best possible result would be that the Minister would be present, the Leader might give an undertaking that at the earliest possible date, when the Minister is present, the debate will go ahead.

It was very disappointing to see UCC take the opportunity to promote embryonic stem cell research when all the evidence indicates that it is an attack on the most vulnerable, the embryo, and it is the most unsuccessful medical practice. UCC wishes to join the long list of failures of other universities in the mad frenzy to do what the current scientific thinking and teaching is, which has produced nothing. The only success has been through adult stem cells where a natural bind has been found with existing stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are too pluripotent and they are not able to stop the division and sub-division of those cells and where they do so, it causes cancerous cells. There have been no successes anywhere in the world.

I am interested to note how economic commentators can comment on the Irish situation, especially because we have handled this current crisis well. I am thinking of our nearest neighbour, the United Kingdom, where Alliance & Leicester, Halifax, HBOS, Lloyds and many others have been either merged or acquired. Northern Rock was taken over but not one Irish bank has been taken over or has failed. In other words, the decisions we have made have helped to ensure the stability of the Irish banks, and they will continue to do so.