Vol. 482 No. 8
97 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on genetic engineering; the likely developments in Irish agriculture and food over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19324/97]
As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 130 on 4 November 1997, the use of genetically modified organisms in Ireland is regulated by 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 anticipate the likely developments in this area in Irish agriculture.
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 the environment.
