With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 42 together.
I am advised that in certain areas of testing and research, for example, haemolysis and mutagenesis, alternative tests have replaced tests on live animals to some limited extent. In this regard I can assure the Deputies that in granting licences for experimentation upon live animals, regard is always had to the possibility of the work being done by alternative methods.
So far as intensification of research in this country for alternative techniques is concerned, I am sure that the Deputies will appreciate that there are only limited resources available in this country to devote to medical research and that the work to be done must be determined by the priorities in our situation and also with regard to work which is being done elsewhere.
The determination of the priorities in medical research within the resources allocated to them is a matter for the Medical Research Council. I will draw the Deputies' request to me to the council's attention and ask them for their views as to the desirability and feasibility of intensifying such research here.