Groups may opt out of GM foods debate

There are strong indications that 19 non-governmental organisations, who are opposed to the way genetically-engineered foods are being introduced into Ireland, will later today withdraw from the Government's public consultation process on GM foods.

Should the groups boycott the second of two debates because of dissatisfaction with what they claim is a restricted agenda this will undermine a process begun last August by the Department of the Environment. The debates were to be a central element in the Government's finalising of its position on the planting of GM crops and the release of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment.

The final debate was due to take place tomorrow at a Dublin hotel, with an input from four representatives of the 19 NGOs, plus two representatives of the biotech industry and two academics who favour the use of biotechnology but with adequate safeguards.

The chairman of the national consultation debate on GMOs and the environment, Dr Turlough O'Donnell QC, told The Irish Times that he had not been advised by any group involved in the debate that it might not continue its participation.

"Given the open and full participation by all stakeholder groups in part one [the first stage of the debate, which took place last week], I'm sure that if any . . . intended to withdraw midway through the debate, they would have the courtesy to contact me in this regard," he added.

Up to early last night there had been no official contact between the NGOs (who include environmental, organic farming, wildlife and consumer interests) and the four-person independent chairing panel, which is overseeing the debates and is due to report to the Department on their outcome.

However, Genetic Concern has announced a press conference for later today after the NGOs have met. A spokeswoman said that the groups would indicate their intentions then.

The Irish Times understands that many of the NGOs are of the view that the debate is structured in such a way that discussion on their main concerns will be restricted.