JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 2003

Vol. 1 No. 8

Business of Joint Committee.

Chairman

At the last meeting we agreed to request a report from the Minister regarding Ireland's position on proposals for a UN convention on human cloning. The Minister's reply is as follows: Ireland supported the Costa Rican draft resolution at the UN which proposed an international convention to prohibit all forms of cloning. However, a motion to defer consideration of the issue, proposed by Iran, was passed by a narrow margin. Ireland voted against the motion.

Do members have any comments at this stage?

Deputy G. Mitchell

I am pleased to hear the report. Incidentally, I could not elicit that information by way of a parliamentary question because when I tabled it, the Minister said the issue had not yet been decided upon. I ask that the Department of Foreign Affairs give consideration to consulting this committee before it goes off voting on issues of such importance. We should have some input and opportunity to question the alternative motions and make our views known before Ministers and civil servants make decisions on matters of such vital importance. I am pleased to note the outcome and the Minister's reply.

Chairman

At the last meeting, we agreed in principle to a meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Pat Cox. This meeting will not now go ahead as Mr. Cox will be addressing the Seanad. Are there any other matters arising?

Deputy M. Higgins

What does that mean?

Chairman

I understand that the initial proposal was for Mr. Cox to meet a joint meeting but that was not feasible.