Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2006
316 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will put in place a moratorium on trials of genetically modified organisms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41899/06]
View answerA company who wishes to carry out a field trial of a genetically modified organism (GMO) in an EU member state must apply for approval to the relevant national competent authority designated under Part B of EU Directive 2001/18/EC. Member states are obliged to transpose the Directive, including the procedure for assessment of, and decisions on, applications for field trials of GMOs.
Directive 2001/18/EC has been transposed into Irish law by the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 2003. These regulations assign the function of evaluating applications under Part B of the Directive to the Environmental Protection Agency.
