The Environmental Protection Agency has strongly rejected an allegation that it has been engaged with the US multinational, Monsanto, in facilitating a "cosy" expansion of its trials in Ireland of genetically modified crops.
A recent meeting between the EPA and the company was to discuss Monsanto proposals in relation to continuing its sugar beet trials, already authorised for a period of four years, a spokeswoman for the agency said yesterday. It had been at Monsanto's request.
"The company also raised other issues, including the EPA's decision to make public the names of farmers where trials are conducted, and the possibility of making an application in 1998 to conduct further trials."
Such meetings were routine, open and transparent, the EPA spokeswoman added.
Ms Nuala Ahern, a Green MEP, had accused the agency of being engaged in "a cosy chat" with Monsanto about increasing trials in Ireland. She claimed this was a display of arrogance by the company towards the Irish legal system as a legal challenge to the EPA decision had yet to be resolved in the courts.
A judicial review of the EPA decision to grant Monsanto a licence to carry out trials on the growth of genetically modified sugar beet in Carlow was adjourned by the High Court in Dublin yesterday because no judge was available.
The review was sought by the environmental group, Genetic Concern. The case is expected to be rescheduled for early next year.
A Monsanto spokesman said the company was perfectly entitled to meet the EPA.
"These discussions had no bearing whatsoever on the judicial review. Monsanto rejects any allegation that it would in any way attempt to interfere with the Irish judicial process. This is simply yet another attempt to cast a slur on the EPA and Monsanto," he said.
