Written answers

Thursday, 8 December 2005

Department of Agriculture and Food

Genetically Modified Organisms

8:00 pm

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the initiatives she has introduced to inform farmers here of the implications of genetically modified organisms; when she plans to publish the findings of the co-existence committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38375/05]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I have recently received the report and recommendations from the interdepartmental working group established to draw up recommendations on national strategies and best practice for the coexistence of GM crops alongside non-GM crops. This report is now being placed on my Department's website and I am inviting observations on the recommendations in the report from all interested parties. These observations will be taken into account before I proceed with the introduction of coexistence measures which I am obliged to do under EU law. The report outlines the evolution of GM technology over the last decade or so and addresses the main issues surrounding the cultivation of GM crops. These issues include the principles laid down in the Commission guidelines on GM co-existence; Government policy on GMOs; scientific factors; new developments in GM technology; the Irish crop production system, farm infrastructure liability where adventitious mixing of GM and non-GM crops might occur. I believe the report will serve as a comprehensive and valuable source of information on GM crop production and it should assist farmers and their advisers and consultants to make informed decisions on GM crop cultivation.

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