Vol. 505 No. 6
31 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent call by the British Medical Association to stop commercial growing of genetically modified crops due to the lack of research into their possible future effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13645/99]
53 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress made to date in the Government's consultation process on concerns regarding genetically modified organisms; when policy proposals will be brought before the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14359/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 53 together.
I am aware of the report by the British Medical Association, as well as a number of other recent UK reports, on the use of genetically modified organisms, including the cultivation of genetically modified crops.
The national consultation process on GMOs and the environment which I initiated last year is now at an advanced stage. Part I of a two-part debate, in which all respondents to my consultation paper have an opportunity to participate in the identification and analysis of key environmental issues which should inform national policy, was held on 25 May. Part II will be held on 3 June 1999. The consultation debate is being managed by an independent and distinguished chairing panel who will report to me on the outcome. On receipt of the panel's report, and having regard to the written responses to the consultation paper, I will complete the review of national environmental policy in this area as quickly as possible and issue a statement on the outcome.
Issues in relation to prohibiting or delaying the deliberate release of GMOs to the environment have been raised in the context of the consultation and will be discussed in Part II of the debate later this week. In the circumstances, any comment by me on the British Medical Association report could be interpreted as prejudging the debate or, potentially influencing the report of the independent chairing panel, and would therefore be inappropriate at this stage.
