An association to promote the development of biotechnology within Irish industry has been initiated by the Irish Business Employers Confederation (IBEC). The new body has already met with criticism from a group which believes the association could become a lobby to thwart public debate on the use of biotechnology.

The Irish Bio-Industries Association (IBIA) was launched yesterday in Dublin by IBEC and by Bio-Research Ireland, the agency established 10 years ago by Government to foster the growth of biotechnology research and its use by industry.

The role of IBIA would be to "promote the technology within Ireland and try and help it contribute to jobs and economic growth", according to its director, Mr Matt Moran. He expected membership to reach about 35 companies.

Mr Quentin Gargan of Genetic Concern expressed "grave reservations" yesterday about the launch of the IBIA.