Written answers

Wednesday, 26 January 2005

Department of Agriculture and Food

Genetically Modified Organisms

9:00 pm

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 639: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the development of genetically modified crops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1214/05]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's position on genetically modified organisms has been consistent from the outset. This position was adopted arising from the report of the interdepartmental group on modern biotechnology, published in October 2000, which recommended a positive but precautionary approach towards genetically modified organisms and biotechnology in general.

While I acknowledge the potential benefits from the use of modern biotechnology it is critically important that the approval of genetically modified organisms is carried out under the most stringent controls and based on full scientific evidence to ensure that human health and the environment are fully safeguarded. I am satisfied that such safeguards are in place with the adoption by the Council and European Parliament over the past number of years of a raft of regulations on genetically modified organisms which also provide for consumer choice through the labelling provisions.

The genetic modification area of direct relevance to my Department is that dealing with the co-existence of GM crops alongside non-GM crops. The Commission has decided that co-existence should be addressed at member state level and has provided a series of guidelines to assist in dealing with the issues that arise. All member states, including Ireland, are drawing up strategies and best practices to provide for effective co-existence arrangements and the interdepartmental or interagency working group charged with coming up with recommendations hope to submit a finalised report to my Department in the near future.

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