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RTÉ’s Big Science Debate will be broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 on Sundays at 6pm, starting on 7th October.

Click on a date to listen to the programme:

Programme 1: 7th October 2007
Human Enhancement: Making People Better or Making Better People?

We've already dabbled in the area of human enhancement with cosmetic surgery, but should we be allowed to ask for better children, longer memories or even ageless lives? Will human enhancement change what it means to be human?

Recorded in Studio 1 in RTÉ Radio Centre in association with The Irish Council for Bio Ethics and Science Foundation, Ireland. Pat Kenny is host for the evening.

Hosted by Rachael English
Producer: Ella McSweeney

Programme 2: 14th October 2007
In Your Blood: Forensic DNA Databases.

For anyone following the recent Madeline McCann case, or for those with an interest in how forensic science can affect criminal investigations, the topic of RTÉ's Big Science Debate in Castlebar; In Your Blood: Forensic DNA Databases, should be of great interest.

Criminal and scientific experts are currently looking at the future use of DNA databases in criminal investigations. In an age when Governments are doing more and more to fight the threat of terrorism, many would argue that only the guilty have anything to fear when it comes to using DNA databases in criminal investigations. This debate asks: should everyone's DNA be sampled in order to prevent crime? If so, are we in danger of sacrificing our civil rights? How long should these DNA samples be kept for and who should have access to them?

The panel for this debate included Dr Maureen Smith, Head of DNA at the Dublin Forensic Laboratory, Martin Fairley, a forensic scientist from the Strathclyde Police Authority in Scotland and Tanya Ward, Policy Officer with The Irish Council for Civil Liberties.

Recorded in Castlebar Library, Co. Mayo in association with The Irish Council for Bio-Ethics and Science Foundation, Ireland.

Hosted by Rachael English
Producer: Ella McSweeney

Programme 3: 21st October 2007
Organ Donation: The Gift of Life?

Organ donation is, for most receivers, a gift of life or a better quality of life. Should people be paid to donate their organs? Should Ireland start a live organ donor programme? Should it be opt-out rather than opt-in? Or is Ireland ready for such a system, in light of the organ retention controversies of the last decade?

This programme, which was recorded in the Athlone Library and Civic Centre includes the panel Robert Sells, a Professor and Consultant in general surgery and transplantation, Deirdre Madden, Senior Lecturer in Law in UCC with special interest in the area of Medical Law and Ethics, Michael Bos of the Netherlands Health Council and consultant renal transplant surgeon, Mr David Hickey, the former Dublin GAA football star.

Recorded in Athlone Library & Civic Centre, in association with The Irish Council for Bio-Ethics and Science Foundation, Ireland.

Hosted by Rachael English
Producer: Ella McSweeney

Programme 4: 28th October 2007
Environmental Ethics: Whose Planet is it Anyway?

If 2006 was the year the world accepted climate change as a problem caused by human activity, is 2007 the year that we have a moral obligation to move to a more eco-friendly society? Who should be responsible for combating climate change, individuals or the Government? Is it immoral not to act to stop it?

Recorded in the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, in association with The Irish Council for Bio-Ethics and Science Foundation, Ireland.

Hosted by Rachael English
Producer: Ella McSweeney

Programme 5: 4th November 2007
Euthanasia - Your Body, Your Death, Your Choice?

Do terminally ill people have the right to decide how and when they wish to end their lives? Does euthanasia devalue life? How can we guarantee that euthanasia is voluntary and not enforced?

Recorded in Waterford Library in association with the Irish Council for Bio-Ethics and Science Foundation, Ireland.

Hosted by Rachael English
Producer: Ella McSweeney

Programme 6: 11th November 2007
Stem Cell Research - Hope or Hype?

Few scientific developments have been both as promising and controversial as stem cell research. Some experts have suggested that stem cell research is the only way to unlock treatments for devastating disorders such as Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's. Others say that destroying embryos for the sake of stem cell research is indefensible. Should embryos be used for research?

Recorded in Glor Irish Music Centre, Ennis in association with The Irish Council for Bio Ethics and Science Foundation, Ireland.

Hosted by Rachael English
Producer: Ella McSweeney