There are strong indications that the EU is speeding up the process to issue a Regulation that will amend the Directive on the release of GMOs into the environment. The Regulation is designed to provide national opt outs, but on very limited and legally vague bases. It is important that the Irish NGOs and industry interest groups move to get their voices heard immediately on this nationally and in Europe.
The problem is essentially this. The Directive requires risk assessments on health and environment impacts. The New regulation will have to find other reasons that would allow Member States to opt out of the Deliberate Release of GMOs into the Environment, once an organism has been approved for release under the directive.
The draft report on this is here
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2009_2014/documents/envi/pr/855/855067/855067en.pdf
And the Directive here
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/agriculture/food/l28130_en.htm
Kind regards
Michael Ewing
Coordinator
Environmental Pillar of Social Partnership
Knockvicar
Boyle
Co Roscommon
Rep of Ireland
Tel: +353 71 9667373
Mob: +353 86 8672153
email: michael@environmentalpillar.ie
web: www.environmentalpillar.ie
Environmental Pillar members: An Taisce. Bat Conservation Ireland, BirdWatch Ireland. CELT - Centre for Ecological Living and Training. Coast Watch. Coomhola Salmon Trust. Crann. ECO UNESCO. Feasta. Forest Friends. Friends of the Earth. Gluaiseacht. Grian. Hedge Laying Association of Ireland. Irish Doctors Environment Association. Irish Natural Forestry Foundation. Irish Peatland Conservation Council. Irish Seal Sanctuary. Irish Seed Saver Association. Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. Irish Wildlife Trust. Just Forests. The Organic Centre. Sonairte. Sustainable Ireland Cooperative. VOICE. Zero Waste Alliance Ireland
