'Irish policy on the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment is founded on the basis that this is an unknown area and not on the basis that all such organisms are dangerous, the High Court was told yesterday by Ms Fidelma Macken SC.
She was making submissions for Monsanto plc, of High Wickham, Buckinghamshire, on the eighth day of a challenge to the decision of the EPA to allow the company hold field trials of genetically modified sugar beet on lands owned by Teagasc at Oak Park, Co Carlow.
In proceedings before Mr Justice O'Sullivan, Ms Clare Watson, of the organisation Genetic Concern, is seeking to quash the EPA decision of May 1st, 1997, granting the permission to Monsanto.
The company says it has not sought approval for marketing genetically modified sugar beet in Ireland and will not put the plants to be used in the present trials on the market place at all, either in Ireland or anywhere.
Ms Watson has challenged the procedures adopted by the EPA in granting the permission and has also contended the agency should not have granted the permission in the absence of it being satisfied there was zero risk to human health and the environment.
The hearing resumes before Mr Justice O'Sullivan on Tuesday.