Vol. 477 No. 5
130 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for the Environment his views on whether it is acceptable that genetically engineered soya has been introduced to the market unlabelled after only ten weeks of feeding trials with animals; and whether he has sought information on human safety or risk assessment of the affects on future generations of genetically engineered soya or other such foods. [9697/97]
158 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment his views on genetic engineering; and the consideration, if any, he or authorities under the aegis of his Department have given to this matter. [9659/97]
162 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give an assurance that the Environmental Protection Agency has the necessary resources and expertise to assess the safety of the first deliberate release of a genetically altered crop in this State in view of the fact that this country has a dearth of regulatory experience in the area of genetic engineering. [9705/97]
I propose to take Question Nos. 130, 158 and 162 together.
My responsibility in regard to genetic engineering relates to implementation of Council Directives 90/219/EEC on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms and 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms to the environment. These directives have been transposed into national law under the Genetically Modified Organisms Regulations, 1994, for which the Environmental Protection Agency is the competent authority.
The fundamental objective of the EU directives and the national regulations is the protection of human health and the environment. In this regard, the regulations require persons carrying out deliberate releases of genetically modified organisms to ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to avoid adverse effects on human health and the environment. It is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency to assess and determine individual cases, based on the date which must be provided in accordance with the notification requirements set out in Part III of the regulations. I am satisfied that the agency has the necessary resources to discharge its functions under Part III of the regulations.
In regard to proposals for consent for the placing on the market of products containing or consisting of genetically modified organisms, the notification requirements under Part C of Directive 90/220/EEC include an assessment of any risk for human health and the environment. The decision at EU level in May 1996 to grant consent for the marketing of genetically modified soya beans (Glycine max. L) was made in accordance with the notification, assessment and consent provisions of the directive.
