Sir, - A public symposium entitled "Genetics and Society in the 21st Century" is being organised by Dr David McConnell, head of TCD Genetics Department, in the Point Depot this weekend. This symposium is far from balanced. It is a public forum in which the industry will present the best arguments in favour of the current approach to genetic engineering, unchallenged by an opposing view.
The symposium is being supported by public funds under the Government initiative to make the public more aware of developments in science and technology. Since no voice of opposition to genetically modified foods is represented in the panel of speakers, the situation is the same in principle as the Government support for a Yes vote in the Maastricht Treaty which led to a High Court challenge by Patricia McKenna MEP and a judgment which forced the Government to provide funds or support to both sides in a referendum. It can be argued that at some time in the future the issue of genetically modified foods could become a referendum issue, and therefore may be affected by the McKenna judgment.
The Government has a responsibility to bring scientific knowledge to public awareness, but this must be done in a balanced way, especially when the issues involved are so important. -Yours, etc.,
(Natural Law Party), Cardinal Court, Wilton, Cork.