Tom Barry (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It has been a very interesting conversation. Mr. Lohan mentioned that we do not have alternatives for protein at present, and he is correct. We met the Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine one year ago. He shared our concerns about protein production in Europe. That arose from the point of view that we could not get protein from America at the time because there were various restrictions. Whatever price we wanted to throw at it, we could not get it. There was a necessity that we should look long-term at increasing our production of protein.

Mr. Lohan is correct. The essential amino acids in soyas are better than in beans. I was in Hungary last week as part of an Oireachtas delegation. Those we spoke to shared many of the concerns we have. They are not fans of GM produce. They are concerned although they might be persuaded in future, like all of us. It struck me that in the long term we should consider encouraging the profitable production of the likes of soya in countries where it can be done GM-free. We would produce far more beans in this country if we were encouraged to do it. It is very easy and the market will follow it. If farmers believe there is profitability in a crop, they will grow it well. Some parts of Europe could produce it. All I am saying is that in the long term we should look for the possibility that we could have certain production without GM technology if it is perceived among the people who buy our products that they would prefer to have non-GM products. At the moment there is such a mixed bag that we cannot make out what is what in respect of what is coming over on ships. We are feeding GM crops. What is the view of the delegation? Let us suppose we were to label all our products at the moment, including baby food products, as GM products? There is GM technology in them. Would that be beneficial to Ireland? I am simply wondering what the position is.