Vol. 482 No. 8
65 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the submissions, if any, he has received on genetic engineering; his views on public perception in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19285/97]
Submissions have been received from a number of organisations and individuals on the issue of genetic engineering and I am aware, therefore, that there are diverging views on this matter. As indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 130 on 4 November 1997, the regulation of the use of genetically modified organisms is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency. Apart from the growing of a very small acreage of genetically modified sugar beet, which was licensed on an experimental basis, there have been no other instances where such products have been approved for use in Irish farming. While genetically modified organisms have been applied extensively in the production of food and food ingredients in some countries, their use is still the subject of ongoing research. Pending the outcome of this, it would be premature to take a decision on their long-term use in agriculture in Ireland. My overriding concern in this matter would be to ensure that developments in this area would not have adverse effects on human health, animal health or on the environment.
