Ferris slams government stance on GM

Martin Ferris

The Sinn Féin Dáil spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD, has launched a strong attack on the Coalition Government's role in lifting the EU embargo on Genetically Modified food. Deputy Ferris was speaking as the EU Commission moved on Wednesday morning to lift the ban on a genetically modified maize.

Ferris attempted to have Dáil proceedings adjourned in order to discuss the issue.

"The Irish Government's role in ending the embargo - which is supported by the overwhelming majority of EU citizens — is nothing short of disgraceful," said Ferris. "Commissioner David Byrne has been the main advocate of the change at Commission level and the Irish Government has been among a minority of states which have consistently voted in favour of allowing GM over the past six months.

"This is despite the fact that there has been no debate or vote of any kind in this country and that the Government's stance represents a complete u-turn from Fianna Fáil's stated policy prior to coming to power. Indeed this has been raised openly by Fianna Fáil TD Michael Mulcahy. I will continue to voice my opposition to the lifting of existing embargoes on GM food and crops, and to campaign for Ireland to become a GM free zone.

"Tomorrow I will be questioning Minister Joe Walsh with regard to why he has changed his attitude to GM, having previously condemned it as an experiment in which the consumer is the guinea pig."