Vol. 469 No. 5
130 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the progress, if any, that has been made in achieving a draft directive on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms in view of the fact that this is a stated priority during Ireland's Presidency of the EU concerning environmental policy in the union. [17814/96]
Discussions on the European Commission's proposal to revise Council Directive 90/219/EEC of 23 April 1990 on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms continued under the Irish Presidency from July. The proposal seeks to update and simplify the provisions of the 1990 Directive in line with scientific developments and practical operational experience to date, without compromising the protection of human health and the environment. A policy debate on key issues arising under the proposal, as identified by the Presidency, will take place at the Environmental Council on 15 October with a view to final political agreement in December.
