andMr. O.J. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if for both humanitarian reasons and the economic advantages he will consider encouraging the adoption of research techniques not involving living animals in fields where such techniques are already known; and if portion of the grant for medical and scientific research will be specifically allocated for this purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Research Techniques.
7.
I do not follow the logic of the reference in the Deputies' question to humanitarian reasons. It is, in fact, for such reasons that medical research involving animals is undertaken in that the results obtained are applied for the benefit of human beings. If, in the course of such experiments, it is necessary to use living animals the position is adequately covered in the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876. I am satisfied that, in such research undertaken in this country, the most humane standards possible are observed. I am afraid that I do not understand the Deputies' reference to economic advantages.
I do not think, therefore, that there is a case for spending any of the resources made available to the Medical Research Council for the purposes the Deputies have in mind.
Is the Minister aware expert opinion has it that alternative techniques not involving the use of living animals have been proved to be cheaper and in some cases the results have proved more dependable than those involving living animals? For that reason alone, if not for other reasons, would the Minister not consider it necessary to ensure that a certain amount of the grant made available is used to pursue those techniques instead of using animals?
I could not agree with the Deputy on that matter. I do not think the economic considerations are relevant to the general observation of the proper rules. If the Deputy would like I will send him a brief summary of the rules attaching to experiments on living animals under the Cruelty to Animals Act. The Deputy will see from them that every precaution is taken to avoid cruel treatment of the animals.