Vol. 572 No. 3
348 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to introduce legislation regarding the use of brain stem cells or human embryos for health or research purposes here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22880/03]
At the outset, I should point out that there are no plans to introduce legislation in this country which would permit the deliberate destruction of human embryos. At EU level, discussions are under way on a proposed EU directive which will set minimum standards for the donation, procurement, testing, processing, storage and distribution of human tissues and cells for human application. However, it should be noted that the proposed directive does not affect the decisions of individual member states to prohibit any of the aforementioned activities, including the use of any specific type of human tissue or cell. The Irish position and that of any other member state that wishes to prohibit activities such as embryo research where the embryo is destroyed, is therefore safeguarded.
In relation to assisted human reproduction services generally, including embryo research, while there is no legislation regulating this area at present, medical practice is governed by guidelines issued by the Medical Council. These state that the creation of new forms of life for experimental purposes or the deliberate and intentional destruction of human life already formed is professional misconduct. Against a background of concern about the absence of a statutory framework to regulate this area and with a view to addressing these concerns in a comprehensive and informed way, and following a Government decision on the matter, I established the commission on assisted human reproduction in March 2000 with the following terms of reference:
To prepare a report on the possible approaches to the regulation of all areas 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. I understand that the commission's report will be completed within the next few months.
