Avril Kennan, chief executive of Health Research Charities Ireland (HRCI), told a conference that researchers are concerned by requirements to re-establish consent with people who previously took part in medical trials, The Irish Times reports.

In some historic cases, contacting people about previous medical trials could cause distress, she said.

Ms Kennan said that “most of the research community are very anxious about this”, adding that “research is actually drawing to a halt”.

She added that patients “may be turned off because suddenly there is all this focus on forms” and consent procedures.

The HRCI represents charities including the Irish Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and the Irish Heart Foundation.