Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:20 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to regulate the breeding of biotechnologically-altered livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10593/96]
Written Answers. - Breeding of Transgenic Animals.
By biotechnologically-altered livestock I presume the Deputy is referring to transgenic animals. These are animals resulting from gene transfer where specific genes, often from other species, are introduced into their genomes.
Products of biotechnology are regulated under two EU Directives, which have been transposed into Irish law under SI No. 345 of 1994, Genetically Modified Organisms, Regulations, 1994. The Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency, which is funded by the Department of the Environment was nominated as the competent authority to administer the regulations in Ireland from 1 January 1995.
I understand that biotechnologically altered livestock are in the process of being developed and their regulation will be necessary. My Department will play its role as appropriate both at EU and national level to ensure that such livestock are regulated in a manner that will protect human health and the environment as well as caring for the welfare needs of such livestock.