Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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476. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if any Irish university, centre of further education or scientific research is currently engaged in research involving the use of human embryos; if so, if such research is funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33385/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Science Foundation Ireland's competitive funding does not curently support research involving human embryos or embryonic stem cells. I can confirm this is also the position with research funding provided by the Health Research Board.

You will be aware that Government approval was granted for the drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill. 

With regard to the core grant allocated by the Higher Education Authority to Higher Education Institutes to cover teaching, research and supporting activities, as you will be aware the internal allocation of funds between teaching and research is a matter for each institution. However, it is my understanding that HEIs adhere to the recognised ethical practices and fundamental ethical principles appropriate to their discipline(s), as well as to ethical standards as documented in national, sectoral, or institutional Codes of Ethics, including with regard to research involving the use of human embryos.