Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 3

Written Answers. - Genetically Modified Organisms.

John Gormley

Question:

271 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the establishment of an interdepartmental group to assess the implications of GMOs and genetic engineering in view of the existence of an advisory group in the British House of Commons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5763/99]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The Government today agreed to my proposal to establish an inter-departmental committee in this regard. The committee will be chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and will also include representation at assistant secretary level from my Department and the Departments of Health and Children and Agriculture, Food and Forestry.