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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 May 1997

Vol. 479 No. 3

Written Answers. - Environmental Protection Agency Act.

Liam Aylward

Question:

24 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any proposals to amend regulations issued under section 111 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 to prohibit the planting of genetically engineered organisms in view of recent concerns. [12899/97]

The Genetically Modified Organisms Regulations, 1994, were made primarily for the purpose of transposing into national law Directive 90/219/EEC on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms and Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms into the environment. The fundamental objective of the directives and regulations is the protection of human health and the environment. The operation of these legislative controls in relation to the planting of genetically modified products is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency and I have no power to intervene in particular cases. I have no current proposals to amend the regulations so as to prohibit the planting of genetically modified products; such an approach would not be consistent with Community legislation.

In the light of scientific knowledge, technical advancement and practical operational experience since the directives were adopted in 1990, there are now a number of developments at EU level, which are supported by Ireland, to update the legislation, particularly in relation to the labelling provisions for products containing or consisting of genetically modified organisms.

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