Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 2831 of 2000).

These Regulations have aim at protecting persons and the environment from risks arising from activities involving the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms and protecting persons from risks arising from activities involving the contained use of genetically modified organisms which are not micro-organisms. Any activity involving genetic modification of micro-organisms is prohibited unless the person intending to undertake the activity in question has ensured that an assessment of the risks created by that activity to human health and the environment has been carried out. Any activity involving genetic modification of organisms other than micro-organisms is prohibited unless the person intending to undertake the activity in question has ensured that an assessment of the risks created by that activity to human health has been carried out. A person who carries out such an assessment is required to establish a safety committee to advise him. No person shall use premises for the first time for the purpose of undertaking an activity involving genetic modification unless he has notified the competent authority of his intention to do so. The Regulations prohibit the undertaking of certain types of activity involving the genetic modification of micro-organisms and the genetic modification of organisms other than micro-organisms unless the competent authority has been given prior notification together with certain information and, in specified circumstances, the competent authority has given its consent. A person who undertakes an activity involving genetic modification of micro-organisms is required to apply the containment measures which are appropriate to that activity as set out in the relevant table in Schedule 8. In certain circumstances, before a person undertakes an activity involving genetic modification of micro-organisms, he must prepare an emergency plan to secure the health of persons and the protection of the environment. (31 regulations completed by 11 Schedules)