Vol. 544 No. 4
75 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has examined the implications for the salmon sector here of the recent decision of the EU Patents Office in Munich to issue a patent for a genetically modified salmon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28932/01]
I have no direct responsibility in the matter. The regulatory national competent authorities under relevant GMO and GM foods legislation are the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has overall responsibility for policy matters in relation to modern biotechnology, including genetic engineering. Overall policy in this area is based on a fundamental commitment to human safety and environmental sustainability based on scientific risk assessment and management.
Deriving from my responsibilities for the sustainable development of Irish aquaculture I am obviously keeping a close watch on all international and EU developments which could have implications for the industry, for consumers and the environment. I am aware that the EPO granted a patent to a company last July in relation to GM salmon production technology. The implications, if any, of the granting of this patent in the Irish context are not entirely clear.
However, I can confirm for the Deputy that no EU consent exists under the deliberate release directive for the release of genetically modified salmon eggs, or under the novel food regulation for the marketing of genetically modified salmon as a food or food ingredient. I can also confirm that the stated policy position of the fully representative Irish Salmon Growers' Association is one of opposition to genetically modified salmon. This is also the position of the Scottish Salmon Farmers' Association. I will continue to keep developments under close scrutiny in consultation as needed with the EPA and FSAI and with the European Commission.
