The General Scheme of the National Research Ethics Committees Bill has been published this afternoon.

It provides for a streamlined, regulated and fit-for-purpose model for the ethical review of health research projects, which modernises the current system.

Medicinal products

The reforms will see the establishment of a number of National Research Ethics Committees, starting with one in the area of clinical trials of medicinal products.

These single-opinion national committees will be supported by a national office for research ethics committees (to be hosted by the Health Research Board). 

Cohesive structure

Chief executive of the Health Research Board Darrin Morrissey said: “The establishment of a single, cohesive national Research Ethics Committee structure in Ireland is long overdue.

“It will help grow health research and clinical trial activity that will benefit people’s health and patient care, as well as underpinning health innovation and economic growth in Ireland.”