Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her stance on genetically modified food; if Ireland is becoming a genetically modified-free zone; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38446/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The legislation surrounding GM foods is a matter for the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, while that of the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms into the environment comes within the remit of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche.

EU legislation on the cultivation of GM crops, which was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council and which is binding on all member states, specifically prohibits the unilateral declaration of a GM free country. There are, however, options available to restrict the growing of GM crops within regions of a country. One option is the concept of voluntarily developed GM free regions — a concept being explored by a number of regional communities and authorities throughout the Community. Another option is to seek a derogation from the Commission that, on the basis of sound scientific evidence, co-existence is not possible in certain regions in respect of certain named crops. The cultivation of these crops can then be legitimately prohibited if the case made is accepted by the Commission.