Vol. 503 No. 3
405 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the Irish Government will join a European wide moratorium of commercial releases of genetically modified organisms in view of the Greek Government's announcement that it is required; his views on the possibility of such a moratorium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10135/99]
I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 33, 274, 275 and 276 of 25 Nov ember 1997 and to my statement to the House on 25 March 1999.
There is no specific proposal from any member state for a European wide moratorium on the commercial release of genetically modified organisms. Such a proposal would have wider application than to the particular areas of genetic engineering covered by Council Directive 90/220/EEC, for which I am responsible at national level. Should a proposal be tabled in an environmental context, it will be a matter for consideration by the European Council of Environment Ministers.
Various issues in relation to moratoria on releases of GMOs have been raised in the responses to the national consultation paper on GMOs and the Environment which I initiated in August 1998. I will take all of these issues into consideration in the review of national policy which I will complete after the conclusion of the consultation process. The policy decided on foot of this consultation will be the basis of our stance on the discussions which will take place in EU on updating Directive 90/220/EEC.
