The generation of human-animal embryos is not prohibited by any legislation, a TD has discovered on the back of a parliamentary question concerning the procedure.

This comes after a team of American and Chinese scientists created a human-monkey embryos, some of which were kept alive for up to 20 days.

Laois-Offaly TD Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if “chimeric” human-animal hybrid embryos are subject to regulation in Ireland and heard that currently there is no specific legislation concerning this practice.

Deputy Nolan said she finds it “incomprehensible” that none should be in place and said it “must be addressed as a matter of urgency”.