Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we conclude, may I obtain the opinion of the members of the delegation on the importation of protein-rich GM food ingredients, whether they be soya beans or whatever? They account for some 40% of imported products and, therefore, GM ingredients are already in the food chain. In the context of the Irish beef and poultry we buy in the supermarket and then bring home to cook and eat, we are consuming - by default - foods that have been produced using GM ingredients. What would be the implications in this regard if COM (2015) 177 were brought into force? Has the trade agreement between the European Union and Canada which is currently being progressed, albeit very slowly, had an impact in terms of the development of the proposal we are discussing? As I understand it, COM (2015) 177 has been doing the rounds of the Commission's offices for quite some time. Ultimately, it takes matters coming to a head before issues of this nature are referred to the Council and the Parliament. Is the trade agreement between the European Union and Canada in respect of many matters, particularly agriculture, a factor in this regard?