David Norris (Independent)

Will the Acting Leader get some information and take some action on genetically modified food? On 7 September, EU Commissioners approved Monsanto's GT73 oilseed rape for use as animal feed despite opposition from 13 member states. While six member states voted for it, because of qualified majority voting and the abstention of countries such as Ireland, it went through undemocratically at the whim of the Commissioners.

This decision has serious consequences for Ireland because we are in a good situation. We are geographically isolated and are not affected by pollen spread by wind. We have the lowest exposure to GM food and that is a good marketing strategy. This modified seed can cross-pollinate with members of the brassica family such as cabbage, kale and turnips.

Will the Acting Leader clarify the situation and ask the Government to look at the implementation of the so-called safeguard clause, Directive 2001/18/EC, recommended by the Oireachtas Joint Committees on European Affairs and Environment and Local Government? This would protect an important national asset from a potential threat from generically modified organisms.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, which is close to the Acting Leader's heart, namely, that No. 18, motion 22, be taken before No. 1. The time limit on the Order of Business should be extended to a maximum of 45 minutes to facilitate the proper ventilation of topical matters of current public interest by Members. The motion is in the names of the Independent Senators.