Martin rules out approval of stem cell research

ENTERPRISE Minister Micheál Martin yesterday said he would not seek to block EU funding for stem cell research that takes place outside Ireland.

But he went on to say that the Government has ruled out any embryonic stem cell research in this country.

In an interview on TV3’s The Political Party, Mr Martin said no research would be approved in Ireland for reasons of social policy.

“We want to retain the right for Ireland to make up its own mind. We don’t want Europe telling us what to do,” he said.

“The danger is that if we start lecturing other countries in terms of what they should do, they could start trying to lecture us, on issues like abortion and other social issues,” he said.

A number of prominent Irish politicians, including MEP Kathy Synott, have campaigned against any funding for embryonic stem research.

Last year, the Government-appointed Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction recommended by a majority that stem cell research should be allowed in Ireland in some circumstances.

However, the Government has indicated it will not adopt these findings.