Written Answers. - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:
56
Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
the research, if any, his Department has undertaken or commissioned on the implications for public health of the wider consumption of genetically modified foodstuffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[10478/99]
I am very much aware of public concern in relation to genetically modified foodstuffs. I wish to assure the Deputy that I am keeping this issue under continuing review and am determined to ensure that public health and the rights of the consumer are fully protected in this regard.
I believe that the regulation governing the placing on the market of a genetically modified food provides adequate protection to consumers. Regulation 258/97 concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients provides for a pre-market approval system for novel foods, including genetically modified foods, throughout the European Union. No product consisting of or containing a genetically modified organism can be authorised for marketing in the European Union without first having undergone an appropriate safety assessment.
A sub-committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland advises my Department on an ongoing basis on issues in the area of genetically modified foods and acts as a forum for the exchange of expert scientific opinion and advice on this new technology and its application to food. This committee keeps developments in relation to GMOs under regular review and it also acts as the assessment body for applications made under Regulation 258/97. This sub-committee is in the process of preparing a report on GMOs and novel foods and I await this with interest.
As the Deputy will be aware, last August, my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Local Government published a consultation paper on genetically modified organisms and the environment. I understand that the Minister is currently in the final stages of consultation on this paper.
In addition to this, an interdepartmental working group on GMOs, chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has been established with a view to reporting with a co-ordinated overall Government position as soon as possible. The group is comprised of senior officials from my Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of the Environment and Local Government and a representative of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
I await the outcome of both these initiatives with interest.
