Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 23 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 5

Written Answers. - Breeding of Transgenic Animals.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

20 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has to introduce legislation to regulate the breeding of transgenic animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19412/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

Products of biotechnology are regulated under two EU directives, which have been transposed into Irish law by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, under S.I. No. 345 of 1994 (Genetically Modified Organisms, Regulations, 1994). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 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 in a support role to the Department of the Environment, 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.