asked the Minister for Health arising from recent reports if his attention has been drawn to instances in Great Britain where cells were removed form the brains of aborted foetuses and transplanted into the brains of adults suffering from Parkinson's Disease; whether this practice is repugnant and unethical; and the precautions which exist to monitor this or similar transplants in the absence of any legislation in this area.
Written Answers. - Aborted Foetuses Brain Transplants.
15.
I am aware of the technique referred to by the Deputy. I understand that it is still very much at the experimental stage. The ethical problems which arise from this type of treatment are the subject of debate in many countries at this time. I will obviously study developments elsewhere as it has not even been proven that the technique has beneficial effects for the recipient.
I am satisfied that the ethical committees which exist in all major general hospitals would ensure that no such treatment would be carried out in this country if it was felt to be unethical. In addition I should point out that under the terms of section 69 subsection (2) of the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978, it is a function of the Medical Council to give guidance to the medical profession generally on all matters relating to ethical conduct and behaviour.