Who is responsible for GMO policy in Ireland?

The Government has overall responsibility for policy matters in this area.

Who regulates GM crops in Ireland?

EU legislation requires Member States to designate a "Competent Authority" for the implementation of GM-related legislation. Due to the wide range of issues involved, responsibilty in Ireland for the regulation and marketing of GM crops falls under the remit of several Governmental Departments and each Department has designated a Compentent Authority to act on its behalf:

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Responsible for legislation in relation to the contained use of GMOs, the deliberte release of GMOs into the environment* and transboundary movement of GMOs. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is the national Competent Authority for the purpose of the EU Directives concerned.

*whether for research purposes, field trials or commerical production

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF)

DAFF is the Competent Authority in its own right and has the responsibility in relation to the production of approved GM crops, including variety evaluation, the use of the GM seeds, coexistence and GM produce in animal feedstuffs. DAFF is also responsible for the implementation of authorisation, labeling and traceability regulations relating to animal feedstuffs and the licensing of pesticides for use on crops including GM crops.

The Department of Health and Children

Responsible for the evaluation and authorization of GM food i.e. food safety aspects of GMOs and products derived from them. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is designated as the Compatent Authoriy for the purpose of the EU Regulations of food.