Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 4

Written Answers. - Assisted Human Reproduction.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

353 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is intended that the Government will ratify the additional protocol to the Council of Europe's convention on bio-medicine banning human reproductive cloning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22546/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine on the prohibition of the cloning of human beings is only open for signature to those states that have signed the convention. Ireland is not a signatory to the convention as there are difficulties with some articles that have implications for the destruction of human embryos. The question of our signing the convention with formal reservations in respect of articles with which we have a difficulty is under consideration.

Human cloning is among a number of issues that are being examined by the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction in the context of its preparation of a 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 this area. When completed, the commission's report will provide the basis for informing public debate prior to the finalisation of any policy proposals. Given the complexity of the issues under examination, it is difficult to be definitive about when the work of the commission will be completed. I am, however, satisfied that it is working as expeditiously as possible.