Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

On behalf of the Green Party, I wish to join with the other party leaders in extending our sympathy to the family of Frances Sheridan. Prior to the previous general election, the people were informed that the Government was in favour of continuing the moratorium on genetically modified foods and plants. Notwithstanding the widespread majority opposition of people in the EU to the lifting of that moratorium and the significant pressure exerted by the United States through people such as Mr. Sandy Berger and others at St. Patrick's Day events, what is the Government's position? The future of the EU moratorium on GMOs is to be decided during the Irish Presidency. Many farmers and members of the public are concerned and many organic farmers face losing their certificates if the moratorium is lifted. Will the Taoiseach clarify the Government's position on this issue?

While the EU regulatory committee failed to approve an application for GM maize, the European Commission has agreed to allow GM sweetcorn, BT11, into the EU. I understand the Council of Ministers now has three months in which to decide on the matter. Is it not strange that, despite the huge opposition to GM in this country and other EU countries, the Government finds itself in a minority of six nations out of 15 which wish to lift the ban? Many people in this country find that quite puzzling given the Government's position prior to the previous general election.

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