DEMPSEY MISLEADING PUBLIC OVER GM FOOD

(Statement by Pádraig de Burca, Labour Party) 7/05/99

Labour local election candidate, Pádraig de Burca, today accused Minister for the Environment, Noel Dempsey of misleading the public over GM foods. Mr. de Burca made his comments after the Minister claimed that he could not introduce a moratorium on GM foods due to European regulations. According to Mr. de Burca this is a mere fig-leaf to divert attention from the total hypocrisy shown by FF to this vital food safety issue.

"In advance of the last General Election FF, and Noel Dempsey in particular, promised the Irish people that they would take a tough line against genetically modified foods. However, since coming into office this Government has shamefully turned it's back on these commitments," stated Mr. de Burca. "This is just one of the many FF u-turns which are alienating young people from politics."

"Recently, in Dáil Éireann, Minister Dempsey attempted to cover his tracks by stating that EU regulations prohibited a ban on GM technology. This is totally misleading and the fact of the matter is that France, Austria and Luxembourg have all instituted bans on GM products. FF in Government could introduce similar measures to protect consumers, however, living up to the commitments it made to the electorate is obviously not a priority for this Government," continued Mr. de Burca.

"There is a huge question mark surrounding GM foods. Ordinary consumers are unsure about the long term effects of this technology and are genuinely angry at the extent to which GM food has infiltrated the food chain. In my opinion we should immediately institute a ban on GM crop trials in Ireland and demand that all GM food is clearly labelled so that consumers know what they are buying," continued Mr. de Burca.

"The veil of secrecy surrounding GM foods is a cause for serious concern. It is now time to bring this issue out into the public arena and have a proper debate about the safety and quality of our food. In addition we should halt the march of GM technology until definitive research about its long term consequences for both the environment and consumers is carried out. This is the agenda the Government should be following. Minister Dempsey should know that Irish consumers will not be content with the hypocrisy and half-truths that has characterised his approach to this crucial issue to date," concluded Mr. de Burca.

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