Sinn Féin's Mr Martin Ferris has accused the Minister for Agriculture Mr Joe Walsh of being "out of touch" with public opinion for failing to initiate a public consultation on the GM issue.
The Kerry North TD said: "This is typical of a minister who is out of touch with public opinion and an arrogant denial of the right of the Irish people to have their say in whether they want to consume genetically modified food.
He said: "Farmers are being denied the opportunity to voice their opinion."
Mr Ferris said: "This debate must take place on an island-wide basis."
"This island cannot allow one part to opt for genetically modified crops or food while the other part abstains.
"Cross contamination of hybrid plants and crops could contaminate the whole island."
Mr Ferris said the claim that GM technology led to increased crop productivity was a myth.