Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I beg Mr. Mitchell to keep an eye on genetically modified foods. We made a wonderful start in 2003 by saying no to genetically modified foods and should be the world's watchdog in respect of genetically modified ingredients. Slowly but surely, however, it is beginning to slip. We are allowing a little bit of corn and some animal feed in and there is much more pending. If one looks at the satellite image of Ireland, one can see we are on the edge of Europe. We are a beautiful green country. It is not a case of my just saying it; that is what we look like. Let us stand out, protect our niche and not fall in step with Europe if it allows genetically modified foods to take over without scientific research and before we know that it is safe for the planet as did the US. We are talking about more than human health; we are talking about climate change.

Could Mr. Mitchell comment on fishing? We are surrounded by wonderful seas and we know we have probably given away too much. What is the future of our rural communities which are still devastated by the effects of being a member of the EU?