The Department of the Environment has made a Statutory Rule entitled The Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 (S.R 2005 No 272).

The Rule comes into operation on 30 June 2005.

The Rule is made under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972.

These Regulations put in place consequential amendments to the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 to take account of amendments made by the GM Food and Feed Regulation to EC Directive 2001/18/EEC on the deliberate release to the environment of Genetically Modified Organisms. Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed provides the basis for ensuring a high level of protection of human life and health, animal health and welfare, environment and consumer interests in relation to genetically modified food and feed.

Copies of the Rule may be purchased from the Stationery Office, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast, BT1 4GD.