Let’s change course on embryo research

I WELCOME the recent meeting between the bishops and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on the issue of the Government’s support for EU funding of destructive embryo research. It is a welcome opportunity to focus on Ireland’s constitutional protection of the child embryo.

The Government will have an opportunity to commit to re-establishing, within the EU, Ireland’s constitutional protection of life from conception.

Last month the Government agreed to the funding of embryo research in the EU. However, there is still time to reverse this decision before a vital EU vote on the topic.

Even though such funding is both unethical and unconstitutional, a spokesperson for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment stated that the Government would not oppose the EU initiative to fund destructive child embryo research.

This now leaves Germany, Italy, Austria and Portugal without the vital support necessary to halt this unacceptable use of taxpayers’ monies. It is appalling that life and death issues are now deemed trade and enterprise issues.

The opportunity to redress government support of EU embryo research funding, and to endorse both the will of the Irish people and Ireland’s constitutional position, must not be lost.

I have no doubt that the bishops availed of the opportunity to impress upon the Taoiseach that the present Government action is unethical and unacceptable.

Dana Rosemary Scallon, MEP,

Eglinton Street,

Galway.