The Government must reconsider imposing a moratorium on genetically modified crops in the light of an unpublished British report which found "serious environment risks" associated with their production, according to the Green Party.
The report, commissioned to assess the potential environmental impact of GM crops, concludes that there are insufficient safeguards to stop the creation of "hybrid multi-resistant plants" similar to "superweeds". It also cites gaps in the regulatory framework which pose a threat to wildlife, rare birds and eco-systems.
Its publication has been suppressed, the Independent on Sunday has claimed, because of its controversial implications.
It is reported that one of its conclusions is that commercial growth of GM crops could lead to more pesticide use. Such claims in the past have been vigorously denied by biotechnology companies. The controversy erupted as the UK Health and Safety Executive, responsible for monitoring GM crop trials, revealed that in a six-month period this year more than one in 10 of 49 sites inspected were breaking regulations.
Green MEP Ms Nuala Ahern said the case for an Irish moratorium was now overwhelming. "Suppression of unfavourable information to multinational companies is now a familiar part of the landscape of activities such as genetic engineering. This report warrants an immediate declaration of a moratorium by the Minister for the Environment."
She added: "The British government's own civil servants have now concluded there are major risks. Mr Dempsey would, after all, be merely fulfilling an election promise if he were protect the Irish environment in this way."
Monsanto's manager for Ireland, Dr Patrick O'Reilly, said his company - which has the most test sites - would not comment until confirmation of the findings. The company received confirmation recently, however, from the Department of Environment in the UK that - contrary to much media coverage - no moratorium was in place in Britain.
Genetic Concern spokesman Mr Quentin Gargan said in their view there was nothing new in the report's conclusions but indications of inadequate monitoring of test sites "are disturbing". This, in effect, meant "industry policing itself is not working".
