There is a "desperate need" for a reasonable debate on the use of biotechnology as it applies to foods, according to the EU Commissioner, Mr David Byrne.
The European Commission was committed to providing better and more comprehensive information on GM foods but member-states had to play a part, as so little had been done to prepare society for decisions it had to take on biotechnology, he said. He was speaking at an awards ceremony at the RIA, Dawson Street, Dublin, yesterday for transition year students who participated in a "biotechnology challenge".
A strong endorsement of the technology, but with monitoring and extensive public education, was reflected in some 90 per cent of entries in the "Biotechnology in Farming and Food Challenge 2000", promoted by the organisation, Agri Aware, and the Department of Education, with sponsor ship by The Irish Times.
The students had engaged in work that was "unfortunately rare", Mr Byrne said, involving "careful weighing up of the advantages and disadvantages and making concrete suggestions for meeting the challenges posed by the emerging potential of biotechnology". But the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection noted with concern how difficult it was for the winners to find objective information about GMOs. The Agri Aware chairman, Mr John McCullen, said the entries highlighted a need for public education on biotechnology, but producers, consumers and scientists also needed to take up informed positions.
The use of biotechnology in farming and food was a key modern issue for debate, Mr Michael O'Leary, co-ordinator of the Transition Year Curriculum Support Service, said.
Students from Colaiste Mhuire, Crosshaven, Co Cork, won first prize. Runners-up were from Loreto College, St Stephen's Green, Dublin. Third place was won by St Macartan's College, Monaghan.
