Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Yes, I am asking the Leader when there will be a Government initiative that acknowledges it was partly the irresponsibility of Government policy in recent years that allowed so many ordinary people to get into situations that now prove untenable. We need something as far-reaching and innovative as NAMA to deal with the extraordinary situations in which ordinary people find themselves.

I seek a debate on assisted human reproduction, following what other Seanadóirí have said. The Supreme Court decision leaves us in a situation where we must legislate to protect the human embryo. I proposed model legislation last year to protect the human embryo in the context of destructive research. I would like to see the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, not the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, publish legislation according to that model. We also need legislation to protect the human embryo in the context of assisted human reproduction. I support the calls for legislation. It must be ethical and inclusive and must cherish all the children of the nation equally.