Law on the establishment of the German Ethics Council (Ethics Council Act-EthRG)

Unofficial table of contents

EthRG

Date of completion: 16.07.2007

Full quote:

" Ethics Council Act of 16 July 2007 (BGBl. I p. 1385) "

Footnote

(+ + + Text evidence from: 1.8.2007 + + +)   

Unofficial table of contents

§ 1 Education of the German Ethics Council

An independent expert council will be formed, which bears the name "German Ethics Council". Unofficial table of contents

§ 2 Tasks

(1) The German Ethics Council pursues the ethical, social, scientific, medical and legal issues as well as the likely consequences for the individual and society, which are related to the research and the Developments in particular in the field of life sciences and their application to human beings are the result. Its tasks include in particular:

1.

informing the public and promoting the discussion in society, involving the various social groups;

2.

Preparation of opinions and recommendations for political and legislative action;

3.

Cooperation with national ethics councils and similar institutions of other States and international organisations.

(2) Each year, the German Ethics Council carries out at least one public event on ethical issues, particularly in the field of life sciences. In addition, it can carry out further public events, hearings and public meetings. (3) The German Ethics Council shall prepare its opinions on the basis of its own decision, on behalf of the German Bundestag or on behalf of the German Bundestag. Federal government. (4) The German Ethics Council shall report to the German Bundestag and the Federal Government at the end of each calendar year in writing on the subject of the its activities and the state of the social debate. Unofficial table of contents

§ 3 Position

The German Ethics Council is independent in its activities and is only bound by the mandate established by this law. The members of the German Ethics Council shall exercise their duties personally and independently. Unofficial table of contents

§ 4 Members

(1) The German Ethics Council consists of 26 members who represent natural science, medical, theological, philosophical, ethical, social, economic and legal matters in a special way. Its members include scientists from the above-mentioned fields of science; in addition, they belong to recognised persons who are particularly familiar with ethical questions in the life sciences. (2) In the The members of the German Ethics Council are not allowed to act as members of the German Ethics Council (3). The members of the German Ethics Council are not allowed to be either a federal government or a federal government, or the federal government. or a state government. Unofficial table of contents

§ 5 The appointment and term of office of the members

(1) The President of the German Bundestag shall convene the members of the German Ethics Council, on a proposal from the German Bundestag and the Federal Government. (2) The members shall be appointed for a period of four years. A revocation is possible once. (3) Members may at any time in writing explain to the President of the German Bundestag their departure from the German Ethics Council. If a member leaves early, a new member will be appointed for a period of four years. In such a case, the appointment of the new Member shall be made on a proposal of the institution which, in accordance with paragraph 1, had submitted the proposal to the Member who had been retired. Unofficial table of contents

§ 6 Functioning

(1) The German Ethics Council elects in secret ballot from its middle chairmanship and deputy for the duration of four years. A re-election is possible once. (2) The German Ethics Council shall adopt its rules of procedure. (3) The German Ethics Council may set up working groups and provide expert opinions by third parties. Unofficial table of contents

§ 7 Public

(1) The deliberations of the German Ethics Council are public; it may also not be discussed publicly and publish the results of public deliberations. (2) The German Ethics Council shall publish its opinions, recommendations and recommendations. Reports. (3) Members of the Commission are of the opinion that they have a different view, such as those contained in the opinion, the recommendation or the report. Unofficial table of contents

§ 8 Office

The German Ethics Council is supported by a branch office in the performance of its tasks. The office is set up by the President of the German Bundestag. She is subject either to the chairman of the German Ethics Council or to the chair of the German Ethics Council Unofficial table of contents

§ 9 obligation to secrecy

The members of the German Ethics Council and the members of the office are obliged to secrecy about the non-public deliberations and the advisory documents, which are designated as confidential by the German Ethics Council. The obligation to secrecy also refers to information given to the German Ethics Council and referred to as confidential. Unofficial table of contents

§ 10 Costs

(1) The members of the German Ethics Council shall receive a flat-rate allowance for expenses as well as the replacement of their travel expenses in accordance with the Federal Travel Costs Act. The expenses incurred by the German Ethics Council and its office shall be borne by the Federal Government. Unofficial table of contents

Section 11 Entry into force

This Act shall enter into force on 1 August 2007.