Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 111: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on Ireland's contribution to funding EU embryonic stem cell research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16818/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The EU's 7th Framework Research Programme provides support for R&D across the whole spectrum of research. In the particular area of stem cell research, specific conditions and safeguards apply. In line with our support for ethical subsidiarity, we insist that no Community funding shall be allowed for embryonic stem cell research in Ireland. The corollary of this is that we have to respect the right of other Member States to follow their own ethical principles in this matter.

Ireland's contribution to the EU budget is disbursed on a wide range of EU funded activities. Community resources are collected and distributed under the legal Framework of the EU Treaties. National funds are not specifically linked with the funding of individual EU projects. A Member State cannot unilaterally decide to apply a principle of hypothecation to its contribution.

I am aware of the recent Opinion of the Irish Bioethics Council in the area of stem cell research and also the earlier report of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction (CAHR). The CAHR report is currently being considered by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children who will report in due course on its views of the recommendations of the Commission.

In the meantime, cognisant of the amount of work required, I understand that the Minister for Health and Children has instructed her Department to begin work on the development of an appropriate regulatory framework for the area of human assisted reproduction and related matters.