Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It was important to have this explanatory discussion. It is fortunate that we do not scrutinise every Commission proposal, but this proposal is important for a number of reasons. A wider issue arises in that genetically modified crops give cause for concern in respect of health, property integrity and biodiversity. Although the issue of biodiversity tends to be forgotten, it is more closely related to cultivation and cross-contamination than anything else.

In this particular case and as matters stand, the Irish grain and feed business and the systems we use to feed our animals - pigs, poultry and, in the main, ruminants - are dependent on it. Regardless of whether we like it, that is the problem. Ireland will face an ongoing dilemma in this regard until an alternative is put in place.

Granting member states autonomy in respect of the decision relating to this matter is, at this point, a considerable step towards renationalising certain aspects of the decision-making process. The committee will be obliged to discuss this matter - I imagine that will be an interesting meeting - before making a formal submission to both the Parliament and the Commission with regard to our position and views on it. From that perspective, it was important that we obtained an indication of the context and scope of what is involved. It all seemed quite simple until matters began to be thrashed out during the toing and froing between members and our guests. This discussion has been useful for us in terms of understanding how the process will work and how - though probably slowly - it will proceed.

I thank our guests for attending-----