European Union ministers have failed to agree on how to fund controversial proposals on how to govern research using human embryo stem cells. The Tanaiste was in Brussels today where she was due to vote in favour of the measure, despite the concerns expressed about the move by a number of TDs.
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| Ms Harney: denies unilateral stance
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Discussion on the matter has been postponed until December 3rd.
A moratorium on EU research money for the technology, which uses cells harvested from human embryos and is opposed by anti-abortion campaigners, will expire at the end of the year.
The Taoiseach told the Dáil today that the junior minister Mr Noel Treacy acted with the approval of the Government when he voted on funding measures for stem-cell reseach at EU level in December 2001.
The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, also denied that either she or junior minister, Mr Noel Treacy, acted unilaterally in approving the funding.
Speaking on RTE's Morning Irelandthis morning, Ms Harney said there had been "no possibility" of Ireland acting as a "blocking minority" when the €1.1 billion in funding was approved almost two years ago. She said the principle of "ethical subsidiarity" had to apply in certain cases and that Ireland could make its position known on such controversial issues.
Ms Harney said Ireland did not want to see a situation in Europe where there would be Europe-wide rules that "would tell us what to do in certain cases". However, she added that the Irish Government did not want to interfere with the "internal workings" of other countries as this would be a "dangerous precedent to set". The Tanaiste said she did not feel there should be a "free-for-all" in relation to embryonic stem-cell research and that guidelines and safeguards were necessary to control it. It is on this issue she will vote today.
There is particular concern here about the use of human embryos in stem-cell research, although stem cells can also be taken from other sources, including adult organs and tissues. A majority at Fianna Fail's parliamentary party meeting last night voiced concerns about the use of embryos in stem-cell research.
Irish taxpayers' money or EU taxpayers' money would not be used to fund stem-cell research in Ireland, Ms Harney said.
The chairman of the Fianna Fail parliamentary party, Mr Séamus Kirk, said Mr Ahern had mollified concerns within the party about the matter. "I think there's a clearer understanding of what's involved."
Mr Barry Andrews TD, who supports the Government position, told the Irish Timeslast night that he was in a minority in the party.