Sir, - I would like to comment on Dr Philip J. Dix's letter (May 21st) in which he took issue with John McKenna's article on the proposed experiment involving genetically engineered sugar beet at the Teagasc research centre at Oak Park, Co Carlow.
Dr Dix makes clear his opinion on many aspects of the experiment which, it appears, he equates with fact. Rather than burden your readers with a point by point rebuttal, perhaps it would be more sensible to highlight one of the more glaring inaccuracies in Dr Dix's eulogy of the bio-technology industry.
His assertion that the "trial" would be carried out and monitored by qualified Teagasc personnel" is at complete variance with the facts as communicated to Cork Environmental Alliance by Dr Tom McLaughlin of the EnvironmentaI Protection Agency, the body charged with licensing the Monsanto sponsored experiment.
In response to queries from CEA on January 21st about the identity of those charged with planning, carrying out, supervising, monitoring and safety of the release, Dr McLaughlin replied:
"The individuals whose names were kept confidential are two members of Monsanto staff overseas and these were requested for reasons of personal right of privacy."
Perhaps Dr Dix is privy to information which is denied the general public. - Yours, etc.,
Cork Environmental Alliance, Princes Street,
Cork.