126 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the situation regarding the use of GMOs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26712/01]

As regards modern biotechnology and the environment, my Department's position is fully set out in the policy statement on genetically modified organisms and the environment issued following an extensive public consultation. The contained use of genetically modified organisms is regulated under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations, 2001, and the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms to the environment is regulated under the Genetically Modified Organisms Regulations, 1994. The purpose of both regulations is environmental protection, including human health considerations arising in that context. The 1994 regulations will be replaced next year with new regulations transposing EU Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms.