Vol. 576 No. 1
145 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of stem cell lines imported into this country over the past five years; the procedures set down for the importation and use of stem cell lines; the number of such lines which were sourced from embryos and the applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28997/03]
My Department has no function in the matters raised by the Deputy and no such records are maintained in my Department. At EU level, discussions are currently under way with regard to a proposed EU directive which will set standards of quality and safety for the donation, procurement, testing, processing, storage and distribution of human tissues and cells. It is entitled Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on setting standards of quality and safety for the donation, procurement, testing, processing, storage and distribution of human tissues and cells. The implementation of this directive will be a matter for the Department of Health and Children.
