Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for coming before us and sharing their expertise. This is an emotive issue and it is the use of the word "modified" that frightens people. Genetics have been use for some time in the context of the development of crops and animals. In the context of human health, superbugs have emerged against which existing antibiotics are useless. As a result, new antibiotics have had to be developed and this has been achieved by means of modification.

We must ask whether there is a need for GM crops. I am here to be enlightened and persuaded in that regard. Will our guests indicate whether the world's population can be fed without the use of GM crops? It was stated that we import 66% of the protein feeds we require for our animals. Deputy Barry made the point that the price of crops in Ireland is being forced down as a result of the fact that other countries are in a position to produce GM crops. In circumstances where existing regulations do not allow GM crops to be grown in a particular country, are the people who live there being placed at an unfair disadvantage? Technically, it should be cheaper to produce a GM crop as a result of the need to use fewer pesticides, to engage in less husbandry, etc. Under COM (2015) 177, it will be left to member states to decide whether they wish to allow the use of GM products.

I would welcome the views of the panel on whether the use of such products should be regulated by individual member states? In such circumstances, the interpretation of regulation on the use of these products would be very open-ended.

Reference was made in the EPA presentation to herbicide-tolerant, HT, and to GM. Does herbicide-tolerant not technically also mean genetically modified in some way? As I said earlier, in terms of food production, particular breeds of animals are being constantly improved through genetics, as are crops. Years ago the only barley available on the market here was midas barley, in respect of which one got approximately a tonne and half per acre. We now also have hybrid crops, such as spring barley, which is a genetically modified food, in respect of which production is approximately three to three and a half tonnes per acre. Can the world survive without GM crops? If not, should member states have the right to regulate on the introduction of such crops in their country?

I agree with Deputy Barry's remarks in regard to GM on all food products. Technically, beef produced here and enhanced through the use of imported protein, which is genetically modified, should be labelled as such. Would that affect our green image and our standing as the best country in the world in terms of food traceability? As I said, genetics results in better breeding.

Reference was made to the major players in this area, including the US, Canada, Argentina and Brazil. It was also stated that Spain produces 90% of the GM maize MON81-10 produced in the EU. Is that product exported from the EU or is it used in Spain in the production of feedlots and so on? As I said, this is an emotive topic. We are all aware of the many multinationals that engaged in trials in this area and were destroyed. It is important all research in this area is completed and then made available to the public so that people can make up their own minds. In my view, labelling in this regard is the way forward. As I said, I am here to be persuaded. I believe GM has a future in the world because I do not believe we will be able to feed the world population without additional production, which into the future will require genetically modified foods.