John Bruton
Ceist:69 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if medical practice conforms in full with the Oviedo convention on biomedicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16112/99]
Written Answers. - Medical Practice.
Medical practice in Ireland accords in general with the principles contained in the convention. The detailed regulation of medical practice is of course the responsibility of the relevant professional bodies and of the medical council.
Ireland is not a signatory to the Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine because there are difficulties with certain articles which have implications for unused embryos. The question of Ireland signing the convention, with formal reservations in respect of any provision which does not accord with the legal position in this country, is under consideration at present.