Madam, - As Fianna Fáil spokesperson on research issues in the European Parliament, I have consistently opposed the European Commission proposal to fund research on human embryos for the purpose of procuring stem cells.
While the issue itself is very technical, there is a very fundamental moral question involved. The extraction of stem cells from a human embryo results in the death of that embryo. This practice is unacceptable.
I believe it would also be unacceptable for the Irish Government to vote for EU funds to finance such practices in other countries. I urge the Government to take a clear position on this issue and vote against the European Commission proposal when it is voted on by EU research ministers on November 27th.
Meanwhile, the European Parliament will vote on the proposal on November 18th in Strasbourg. I will table amendments to reject funding for embryonic stem cell research. I will propose that EU research funds be spent instead on developing adult stem cell lines.
The adult cell alternative involves no destruction of life and offers equal if not greater promise in finding cures for diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons - a view held by many medical scientists. - Yours, etc.,
SEAN Ó NEACHTAIN, MEP, Prospect Hill, Galway.