Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Oct 2003

Vol. 573 No. 1

Written Answers. - Assisted Human Reproduction.

Seán Haughey

Question:

218 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the Government's position regarding human cloning to be put forward at the United Nations meeting to be held at the end of October 2003 in New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24384/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

At domestic level, while there is no legislation regulating cloning, medical practice is governed by guidelines issued by the Medical Council. These provide that the creation of embryos for experimental purposes or the deliberate and intentional destruction of human life already formed is professional misconduct. I am conscious of the degree of concern among the public about the absence of a statutory framework to regulate cloning and a range of other issues associated with the area of assisted human reproduction, including research on embryos.

I take this opportunity to reiterate the Government's total opposition to human cloning and our belief that it is appropriate to await the outcome of the report of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction before bringing forward policy proposals to regulate all matters arising in the sphere of assisted human reproduction, in a comprehensive, appropriate and informed way. With a view to addressing concerns in this area, the commission was established 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." I understand that the commission will complete its report within the next few months. Its recommendations will provide the basis for informed public debate before the finalisation of any policy proposals.

With regard to the United Nations meeting on proposals for a UN Convention on human cloning, the Government is currently considering its position in the context of the resolutions before the relevant committee of the General Assembly.