Genetic Concern may have lost its legal challenge, but it was claiming victory in highlighting issues of concern surrounding genetically modified (GM) foods. Disappointment at the outcome was, nonetheless, evident at its press conference yesterday.
"Obviously I, and all those who worked with me, are bitterly disappointed," said Ms Clare Watson, a founder member, who brought the action. "We had to take this case because there was no other opportunity for Irish people to question the decision, as the Environmental Protection Agency refused to hold an oral hearing and there was no public debate," she said.
Genetic Concern always knew, because the focus of the case was so restricted, "the decision would centre on legal rather than scientific arguments". Unfortunately, she added, safety aspects as well as social and ethical concerns were not considered in the case. Pursuing the action had served a purpose in increasing awareness of a technology which she believed was being introduced without sufficient evaluation and monitoring.
"The verdict should not be taken as a green light for genetic engineering," said Dr Ricarda Steinbrecher, a genetics expert, who gave evidence for Ms Watson. The regulations did not require long-term environmental or health studies, which she felt were necessary, though GM products were already in shops and fields around Ireland.
The EPA said it was "pleased the court found that the procedures they used (under GMO regulations) were correct". Monsanto said the decision validated its crop trials. Its business manager for Ireland, Dr Patrick O'Reilly, said the safety of trials was a primary concern. "These trials are part of a systematic process of evaluating our products for safety and efficacy. They do not pose risks to human health or the environment."
Some 70 million acres of GM crops were grown around the world this year, involving 50 different crops, without evidence of damage to health or the environment. This biotechnology was of enormous potential to Ireland, while Monsanto, he said, was committed to working hard to overcome concerns and to make the very complex science associated with the technology accessible to the public.
The Green Party TD, Mr John Gormley, said the outcome indicated shortcomings in the way the EPA evaluated trial applications and acted as "judge and jury". These would have to be addressed by politicians rather than the courts.
