Those working in biotechnology have been accused of ignoring for 25 years ethical issues associated with "the miracle" of genetic manipulation. The allegation was made at the EPA-organised conference by Mr Quentin Gargan of the environmental group, Genetic Concern. Speaking to delegates, most of whom work in industry with genetically modified organisms or regulate their use, he said the miracle was "not fully mastered, and perhaps never will".
A much wider view of genetic engineering had to be taken. "Feelings and intuition are something which consumers and the public are largely guided by in their lives, but regulators cannot refuse an application for a process because they didn't like the idea of genetic engineering or had a hunch."
Such responses were largely the domain of an ethical debate which had not taken place. At no stage was the Irish public given an opportunity to voice its feeling about genetic engineering, Mr Gargan claimed.
"This is partly why the EPA will receive apparently emotional outpourings on the subject. Understandably, the EPA has no way of assessing the ethics. But somewhere, somehow, the debate must be allowed to take place throughout Europe."
As long as regulators and industry made decisions behind "seemingly closed doors of science and logic", the public would take their frustration elsewhere, he said.
Mr Gargan questioned the way regulators evaluate and control the GMO industry, and the role played in this field by the EPA in Ireland. "Your work keeps you in constant contact with scientists representing companies seeking licences for their processes or products, not the many scientists who are sceptical."
