EU fails to resolve stem cell research issue

TÁNAISTE Mary Harney last night said it would be impossible for Ireland to resolve the issue of guidelines for stem cell research during the country’s presidency of the EU next year.

European Union ministers yesterday failed to agree on whether to spend EU money on embryonic stem cell research during a last-ditch attempt to resolve the issue before a moratorium expires on December 31 A lack of agreed guidelines means the European Commission and EU governments will have to vet each funding proposal on a case-by-case basis after the moratorium ends Italian Research Minister Letizia Moratti, who chaired the meeting, failed to bridge deep divisions among the ministers. She acknowledged a proposed compromise did not get “a sufficient degree of support” and decided to call an end to the meeting. Germany, Austria and Italy reiterated their strong opposition to spending EU money on embryonic research. The three had enough votes to block the proposal.

As no decision was met it means the issue may have to be decided during the Irish presidency beginning on January 1. Ireland is in favour of the introduction of guidelines. Officials said no further talks were foreseen to try and get a deal this year.