Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 324: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the genetically modified GT73 oilseed rape is currently on sale here; and if she will make a statement on the dangers that it could contaminate other brassica species. [36488/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Genetically modified GT73 oilseed rape is currently not on sale in Ireland. The Commission decision 2005/635/EC authorising this product will not apply until a detection method, specific to the GT 73 oilseed rape, is validated by the Community reference laboratory. This validation process is not yet completed, and an expected date of completion is not available.

The possibility of cross-contamination through the accidental spillage of this product was addressed in the Commission decision which authorised the product when it specifically stated that the consent holder, Monsanto in this case, shall directly inform operators and users concerning the safety and general characteristics of the product and of the conditions as to monitoring, including the appropriate management measures to be taken in case of accidental grain spillage. The appropriate management measures, which include plans to eradicate volunteer oilseed rape plants, are set out in a separate Commission recommendation 2005/637/EC. My Department will put in place appropriate measures to ensure that the provisions and obligations set out in this recommendation are complied with.