Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to evaluate the economic implications of the use of genetically modified organisms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37718/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In August 2003 an interdepartmental group was established to examine issues relating to the co-existence of GM crops alongside non-GM crops and draw up recommendations for co-existence arrangements in Ireland. Among the issues examined by the group was the economic implications of co-existence.

I have recently received and examined the group's report and recommendations. The report takes on board the full range of factors surrounding the GM issue, including the principles laid down in the Commission guidelines on GM co-existence, Government policy on GMOs, scientific issues, new developments in GM technology, the Irish crop production system and farm infrastructure and liability issues. In the case of the latter it makes recommendations regarding compensation in cases where a non-GM crop grower incurs a verifiable and quantifiable economic loss as a result of the GM maximum labelling threshold being exceeded and how this compensation should be funded.

However, I believe that the wider economic issues associated with GM cultivation and the use of GM feed should also be examined to enable the agri-food industry to make informed decisions the use of GMO's. Teagasc was asked to carry out an evaluation of the possible costs and benefits for the agri-food industry from the use of GMOs in crop and livestock production. This evaluation is in the final stages of completion and a report is expected soon.