Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Genetically Modified Organisms.

John Gormley

Ceist:

292 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to reports which suggest that genetic engineering techniques now include such methods of food adulteration as the introduction of genes for toxins from bacteria, viruses and animals into crops, that genes from bacteria and viruses so introduced may interact with bacteria and viruses already present in the body of the consumer to create what are known as super viruses and super bugs; the plans, if any, he has for his Department to study this phenomenon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18473/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

I take it that this question relates to a European Commission draft paper on the antibiotic resistance transfer between genetically modified plants and microorganisms circulated earlier this year for consideration by the Antibiotic Resistance Expert Group under Directive 90/220/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms. Ireland is represented on this group by the Environmental Protection Agency. The competent authority under Directive 90/220/EC is the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The GMO and novel foods sub-committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland is considering the draft paper at the request of the Environmental Protection Agency.

As the question of antibiotic resistance transfer between genetically modified plants and microorganisms falls within the remit of the Department of the Environment and Local Government, the question of undertaking any related study is a matter in the first instance for that Department.