Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on stem cell research; the position taken by Ireland at EU level regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3399/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Stem cell research is an area which holds considerable promise in the treatment of various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury. Research is under way in Ireland on therapies using stem cells derived from adult tissues.

As regards ethical issues pertaining to stem cells derived from embryonic sources, the current sixth framework programme, FP6, explicitly forbids EU funding for research that involves human reproductive cloning, the creation of human embryos for research and research that would change the genetic heritage. FP6, 2002-06, does allow EU funding of projects involving the derivation and use of human embryonic stem cells derived from supernumerary embryos in countries where such research is permitted.

Under FP6 the funding of ethically sensitive projects is dealt with through a process of ethical review. In summary, all such projects are submitted to a rigorous four-stage process before being funded: national ethical review, European scientific review, European ethical review and consideration by a committee of member states. EU research programmes never fund in a member state, under any circumstances, anything that is not legal or is deemed unethical in that particular member state.

The seventh framework programme, FP7, is due to commence at the beginning of 2007 and is scheduled to run until 2013. In presenting its proposals for FP7, the Commission has stated that it has adopted a no change policy with regard to the respect of fundamental ethical principles in research activity. This explicitly respects the positions of those member states whose legal and ethical regimes forbid such research.

The detailed technical examination of the Commission's proposals is under way and I am currently consulting with the Minister for Health and Children on the position to be adopted by Ireland on the ethical issues that arise in these proposals.