The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (supported by the Environmental Protection Agency) is responsible for the authorisation of GM crops for cultivation, while my Department regulates its use, once authorised.
My colleague, Minister Denis Naughten, recently brought a proposal to Government to transpose Directive 2015/412 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2015, which will enable, though not compel, Member States to opt out of cultivation of GMO crops approved for cultivation elsewhere in the EU. I understand that the legal instrument to effect the transposition will shortly be signed by Minister Naughten.
The recent decision by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to classify crops generated by the use of New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) as GMOs means that these crops will be evaluated under the existing GMO regulations regarding risk to human health, animal health and the environment.
Notwithstanding the transposition of this Directive, the Government intends to keep Ireland's policy in relation to GMO cultivation and other emerging technologies under ongoing review, particularly in light of scientific developments in this rapidly evolving sector.
