Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding her consideration of the report of the interdepartmental committee that was asked to develop proposals for a national strategy and best practices to ensure the coexistence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34169/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In August 2003, an interdepartmental group comprising representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Teagasc and the EPA, was established to examine issues relating to the coexistence of authorised GM crops alongside non-GM crops and to develop proposals for a national strategy and best practices in Ireland. In drawing up this report the group considered submissions from many interested stakeholders. I have just recently received the completed report and its recommendations.

While the group engaged extensively with relevant stakeholders when preparing the reports, I consider it prudent to invite further observations on the report from all interested parties. For that reason I am in the process of placing the report on my Department's website and I will invite observations shortly. I will then take into account all observations received before putting in place coexistence arrangements for Ireland.