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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 2

Written Answers. - Genetic Research.

Mary Harney

Question:

102 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the research, if any, which has been carried out by his Department into the effects of genetic modification of crops. [24779/96]

My Department has not carried out any research projects into the effects of the genetic modification of crops. My Department has a plant variety testing programme in place and this might, in the broad context, he considered as research into the effects of genetic modification of crops in so far as varieties are the result of recombinations of genetic materials. However, officers of my Department generally monitor the developments in science relevant to the work of the Department and this would include developments in genetic modification techniques and how these impact on the production and use of crops.

Teagasc, the National Agriculture and Food Development Authority, which operates under the aegis of my Department, has a programme of research in crop production which includes some conventional plant breeding work which involves genetic modification and the measurement of the effects achieved in the form of new varieties produced.

Michael Creed

Question:

106 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if research on genetic engineering is taking place by any agencies or institutions under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24813/96]

Some research undertaken by Teagasc at the National Dairy Products Research Centre in Moorepark concerning the development of starter cultures for cheese making and bacteriocins — natural products produced by bacteria which have food preservative properties — involves the use of techniques which could be considered to come within the wider definition of the term "genetic engineering".

Genetic engineering covers a wide range of bio-technologies. Many of these have the potential for the betterment of the lot of mankind — uses include the production of vaccines and medicines, better quality and safer food, higher crop yields and reduction in chemical use in agriculture. These are also risks in the use of these as in many other newer technologies. The EU has enacted a number of pieces of legislation concerning the approval and condition of use of genetic modification techniques and genetically modified organisms and their release into the environment. These take due account of the risks, benefits and the protection of consumers and the environment. Ireland implements this legislation.

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