Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2004
106 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to take specific initiatives to educate the public and assess their views on genetically modified food production; and his views on the feedback from debate in the UK on this issue. [14822/04]
View answerGovernment policy with regard to genetically modified organisms, GMOs, is set out in the report of the interdepartmental group on modern biotechnology, published in October 2000.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, is the competent authority in Ireland for the enforcement of legislation governing genetically modified, GM, food and carries out regular surveys of the marketplace to ensure compliance with GM food legislation. The results of these surveys have been published with national media coverage and also on the FSAI website. The FSAI has published a leaflet on Food Safety and Genetically Modified Foods which is currently being updated to take account of new legislation. In addition, the FSAI, in conjunction with Departments and industry organisations, is currently formulating a guidance note for industry which will highlight the legislation with regard to GMOs.
The public have access to unbiased information on GM foods from the FSAI and can also access information from each of three Government Departments — Health and Children, Agriculture and Food and Environment, Heritage and Local Government — on any aspects of GMOs within the remits of these Departments. This has resulted in requests for information from concerned individuals and groups, either directly or through their local representatives in the Dáil. I am advised by the FSAI that no additional food safety issues were raised by the UK debate and, consequently, I am satisfied that appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of authorised GM foods or foods containing GM ingredients placed on the market in Ireland.
