Martin Ferris
Ceist:183 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the Government's views on the development of genetically modified animals and crops. [16453/03]
Written Answers. - Genetically Modified Organisms.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:184 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the Government intends to initiate a public consultation process prior to a decision being taken at EU level regarding the development of genetically modified animals and crops. [16454/03]
Martin Ferris
Ceist:185 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there are genetically modified crops or animals currently being grown or bred on a commercial or experimental basis within the State.
I propose to take Question Nos. 183 to 185, inclusive, together.
The Irish position on GMOs in agriculture was reflected in the report of the interdepartmental group on modern biotechnology which was published in 2001 as being positive but precautionary. This position was an acknowledgement of the potential benefits of genetic engineering while at the same time maintaining the precautionary principle. I do not have any proposals at present to initiate a formal public consultation process regarding the development of genetically modified animals and crops. I would, however, point out that among the inputs to the work of the interdepartmental group on modern biotechnology were the findings of the national consultation debate on genetically modified organisms and the environment, published in July 1999, following public debate arranged by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 1998. There are no genetically modified crops or farm animals currently being grown or bred on a commercial or experimental basis in this country.