Phil Hogan
Question:126 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline his policy in relation to genetically modified organisms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3851/98]
Written Answers. - Genetic Engineering.
Deirdre Clune
Question:128 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the studies, if any, which are being conducted in his Department on genetic engineering of foods; the individuals co-ordinating these studies; if they include experiments in genetic engineering; and the steps, if any, which are being taken to inform the public in relation to the benefits or dangers of these. [3853/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 128 together.
The terms genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms are commonly used to describe the application of bio-technology in the agriculture and food sectors although its use is by no means confined to these sectors. The technology has potential in terms of facilitating the production of safer and cheaper food but, obviously as with all technology, great care must be taken to ensure that its use is, at all times, regulated in such a way as to safeguard the well being of consumers and the environment. In this connection, the European Union has introduced regulations governing the sale of novel foods, including those obtained by genetic engineering and the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment. These regulations are being implemented respectively by the Department of Health and the Environment Protection Agency.
Although my Department has overall responsibility for the development of the food industry, it is not itself engaged in research on food production methods and technologies. Such work is carried out by Teagasc, the universities and other third level institutions and individual food companies. While my Department keeps up to date with developments in this field, it is not conducting any studies on genetic engineering of foods. In 1997, Teagasc carried out a field trial to evaluate genetically modified sugar beet. However, Teagasc was not involved in the genetic modification of the beet. A small amount of work being carried out at Moorepark, falling into the general area of biotechnology, could in certain circumstances be described as genetic engineering.