Setback for State's GM food policy

Government attempts to formulate a policy on GM foods, taking into account views of those concerned about gene technology, have encountered a setback.

All 20 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) due to participate in a forum have declined to do so because of its restricted format.

The organisations, including the main environmental group campaigning against GM foods, Genetic Concern, are objecting to the format of two debates. These were due to inform a policy to be adopted by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, later this year.

Mr Dempsey said last night he was "disappointed that a more constructive response was not forthcoming at this stage of the consultative process" in view of the participation of NGOs so far.

The NGOs met at a preparatory meeting yesterday when it emerged they were unhappy with a restriction allowing them to raise only four issues relating to GM foods. After thorough evaluation, a unanimous decision to reject the debate structure was taken, their spokeswoman, Ms Iva Pocock, of Voice, confirmed.

They called instead for a consensus conference similar to those staged in Norway and France on issues of major public interest to ensure ethical, environmental, consumer and health concerns are considered "in addition to narrow technical and industrial considerations".

This alternative would give politicians insight into broader Irish opinions on GM foods, and would be indicative of "an active democracy at work", Ms Pocock said.

One of the main reasons for their stance was the Government's "failure to engage and educate the public" on the issue, and the debate format as proposed would not rectify this, she added.

Prior to the meeting in Dublin, which was attended by an independent facilitator, Mr Peter Dorman, it was believed the Government was willing to negotiate on the debate format in response to NGO concerns.

The groups had been due to agree an agenda outline and nominate their debate representatives but they did not get to this because of the extent of disagreement with the Department's proposals.

The debates were to be conducted among four "stakeholders": the State, the biotech sector, NGOs and scientists, with each nominating two persons to a panel. Department officials indicated they would examine the NGO objections and counter-proposals, and issue a response later.