Carol Nolan
Question:1062. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if the generation of interspecies chimeric, hybrid embryos are subject to regulation here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22099/21]
View answerWednesday, 28 April 2021
Questions (1062)
Written answers
Currently, there is no specific legislation regulating chimeric or interspecies hybrid embryos. However, as the Deputy will be aware, drafting of a bill on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill, is ongoing by officials in my Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General. Publication of this legislation is a priority for my Department and the Government, and a commitment to enact this legislation is included in the Programme for Government, “Our Shared Future”.
This comprehensive and far-reaching piece of legislation encompasses the regulation, for the first time in Ireland, of a wide range of practices, including: embryo and stem cell research. The General Scheme also provides for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for AHR.
Part 7 of the Bill stipulates the conditions under which research involving embryos, embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells may be permitted, subject to obtaining a licence from the Regulatory Authority. This Part of the Bill prohibits the creation of embryos specifically for research purposes and also prohibits certain practices that may be associated with embryo and stem cell research, for example, the generation of chimeric or human-animal hybrid embryos.
Overall, the provisions outlined within the Bill will ensure that AHR practices and related areas of research are conducted in a more consistent and standardised way and with the necessary oversight.