Taoiseach backs Harney over stem cell research

As the Tánaiste prepares to vote in Brussels today, the Government’s row over the country’s position in funding stem cell research continued.

Mary Harney is expected to vote in favour of resuming EU funding for the controversial research this afternoon, despite angry opposition from both politicians and members of the public.

Stem cell research focuses on investigating the ability of cells within organs and organisms to self-replicate. This ability could be used to treat several diseases currently without cure, such as Parkinson’s, heart disease and diabetes.

But some opponents of stem cell research say that the use of human embryos for the work is unethical.

The Catholic Church and the Pro-Life Campaign have called on the Government to reject the EU proposals.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the Government’s vote on the issue was consistent with what it had always agreed on.

“It’s about whether we were going to have proper guidelines and proper procedures,” the Taoiseach said. “That’s the decision in front of the European Commission today.

“It’s about research that would take place outside this country and we have no reason to oppose it at this stage.”

During a Fianna Fáil parliamentary meeting last night, Ms Harney stressed that the EU proposals were about the adoption of strict guidelines, not whether or not the research would take place.

She said she was backing the research because it would not be taking place in Ireland, and therefore not impose on Irish ethical and legal requirements.

Ms Harney added that she would rather EU member states carried out the research with proper safeguards than have it as a “free for all”.

A protest against the research was held at the Dáil yesterday when eight demonstrators chained themselves to railings outside Ms Harney’s office.

The EU has approved €1.1bn in funding for stem cell research in a programme adopted in December 2001.

But the EU imposed a moratorium on research pending the production of guidelines. The delay ends in December this year.

Ireland has three votes out of a total of 87 at the Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels today.