Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I also welcome the Minister of State and in particular the Bill put forward by Senator Mullen because I believe it needs to be discussed. I will read, very briefly, from a letter I received by e-mail today from a neighbour:

My son is quadriplegic, following a rugby accident in March 2004, when he was 19 years of age. He has shown remarkable strength of character since then, keeping his body in as good condition as is physically possible while getting on with his studies. He is doing all of this because of his huge hope and faith in world researchers to find a cure for spinal cord injuries like his, along with cures for many other degenerative diseases...

She goes on to say other things as well. That reminds us how important this issue is just for one family, one mother. We have a responsibility here and we cannot allow this topic to go unregulated, therefore I welcome the opportunity for the debate. I found the debate very interesting because there are very few of us here who had predetermined notions and accepted views that we were sure of. Some researchers argue that conducting research into embryonic stem cells will eventually lead to a method to grow the cells into a replacement for dead and diseased tissues. That projected outcome is the same, whether it is for embryonic or adult stem cells. We have a responsibility to debate this matter and I found the debate very interesting. I believe this should continue because the onus is on us as legislators to ensure we regulate for the good of our citizens.