Vol. 530 No. 5
82 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on the production of genetically modified food; the research and funding available for such research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4278/01]
In March 1999, the Government established an interdepartmental group on modern biotechnology. The group examined a wide range of issues and developments including those related to the production of genetically modified food. The group concluded that there was broad agreement among most scientists, among independent food regulatory bodies in this country and other EU and OECD member states and among international bodies such as the World Health Organisation and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation that GM food products currently on the market are as safe as their conventional counterparts. However, this does not warrant complacency or justify concluding that all future GM food will necessarily be free of adverse effects. A prudent and precautionary approach must be taken in the whole area of GM food and crops for food in the context of the current state of scientific knowledge.
In relation to research under the food institutional research measure of the National Development Plan 2000-06 a sum of £55 million is provided for public good research. The purpose of this measure is to provide a base of expertise and information in genetic technologies that will support innovation and product development in the food industry and assist in ensuring consumer protection. The measure does not provide for a specific allocation of funds for research relating to the production of genetically modified foods. Funding will be awarded on the basis of a competitive tendering process and applications in respect of projects involving research of this kind will be accepted and considered on the same basis as all others. It should also be noted that Teagasc has a research budget available to it.
Research funding is also available from a number of sources and European Union researchers interested in pursuing the area of genetically modified foods may compete for funding from those sources.
