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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 6

Written Answers. - Genetically Modified Organisms.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

314 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the procedures by which the Environmental Protection Agency is informed of genetically modified organisms being brought into the State; and the timescale specified for informing the agency in this regard. [18647/97]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

315 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the existence of genetically modified animals in the State, other than the genetically modified mice at Trinity College, Dublin 2; and whether he has satisfied himself that procedures exist by which he will be kept aware of the existence of these animals. [18652/97]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

316 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his Department will give an undertaking that all work on the genetic engineering of animals and all work on genetically modified organisms, including plant trials, will be suspended until all the legal, scientific and ethical issues have been explored fully in public debate. [18654/97]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 314, 315 and 316 together.

I have asked my Department to prepare a national policy position on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms. This process will include widespread consultation with the public and the biotechnology industry in this country.

The Genetically Modified Organisms Regulations, 1994 (S.I. No. 345 of 1994), for which the Environmental Protection Agency is the competent authority, define the procedures under which the use of genetically modified organisms in the State are regulated. The Regulations transpose EU Directives 90/219/EEC (on the contained use of genetically modified microorganisms) and 90/220/EEC (on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms to the environment) into national law.

In the case of proposed contained uses of genetically modified organisms in this country, prior consent under the 1994 Regulations must be sought from the EPA. In the case of proposed deliberate releases of genetically modified organisms within the EU, prior consent under Directive 90/220/EEC must be sought from the competent authority of a member state. A consent under the provisions of Directive 90/220/EEC applies throughout the European Union.

The notification and consent requirements provided for in the 1994 regulations, for both contained use and deliberate release of genetically modified organisms, are comprehensive, and I am not aware of the existence in this country of genetically modified animals other than mice used in contained conditions in a number of universities.

The suspension of work in regard to the particular aspects of genetic engineering which comes under my responsibility would not be consistent with Community legislation.

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