Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his policy regarding genetically modified crops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22297/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland's positive but precautionary policy on modern biotechnology is based on the work of the interdepartmental group on modern biotechnology, October 2000, whose report was endorsed by the Government. The report concluded that we should acknowledge the potential benefits of genetic engineering while maintaining a fundamental commitment to safety and environmental sustainability, based on scientific risk assessment and management.

With regard to crops and foodstuffs, the authorisation of genetically modified products takes place at EU level and each member state has an input to the process. Each individual proposal is considered on its own merits, taking particular account of the advice of the relevant advisory agencies. Ireland, on the basis of its stated policy, has supported the authorisation of some but not all products, following careful case by case assessment involving the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food Safety Authority, Teagasc and the Departments of Agriculture and Food, Health and Children and Environment, Heritage and Local Government.