Dinny McGinley
Question:168 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement setting out his views on the question of cloning of human cells and related matters. [24506/00]
Written Answers. - Assisted Human Reproduction.
I am conscious of growing concerns in relation to the way in which scientific advancements have facilitated processes such as the cloning of human cells and related matters and, in particular, the absence of a legislative framework to control such activity. For this reason, following a Government decision on the matter, I recently established a commission on assisted human reproduction to consider the issue of human cloning in the context of preparing its report on the possible approaches to the regulation of all aspects of assisted human reproduction and the social, ethical and legal factors to be taken into account in determining public policy in the area.
In examining the various issues, including human cloning, the commission is obliged to seek submissions from the public and to consult appropriately with relevant interested parties.
The commission's report will provide the basis for informed public debate prior to the bringing forward of policy proposals on the matter.