Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. His contribution was very important. I compliment my colleague, Senator Mullen, on bringing forward this legislation. For the record, I have done everything possible to have this matter raised on the floor of the House. In line with what Senator Ó Murchú said, I believe it is crucially important that we engage with these issues. I do not purport to be an expert. I have read the Bill a number of times and, like Senator Alex White, I do not support it. That is my view, but it does not mean I am right. Neither does it mean I believe my view is any better or more strongly held than anybody else's. Certainly, it is an ethical question.

Looking at the balances, ethically, I do not know where human life begins. My view is that it begins much earlier than fertilisation in many cases. One can bring it back to the dot, somewhere along the way, and all I have heard convinces me that I want research to continue into both adult and embryonic stem cells. I firmly believe we owe it to people who are suffering from debilitating degenerative diseases and I cannot find it in my heart to stop that from happening. Equally, people on the other side of the argument have made their case. I have listened very carefully to all the debate and I respect all the strongly held views.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving us the opportunity of putting this together. We need to learn everything we can about this issue. We need also to continue the research. I congratulate Senator Mullen on bringing forward the Bill. I believe it is the beginning of a very important debate. The Seanad, as it has done on many issues over the years, such as HIV-AIDS and various other matters, has once again been the first to grapple with these issues. This is an important debate, which will be developed as time goes on.