Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her position on the release of genetically modified potatoes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12056/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that the recent notification made by BASF to trial genetically modified potatoes at Summerhill, County Meath, was made to the Environmental Protection Agency. This notification is in accordance with part B of EU Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release of GMOs into the environment but not for entry to the food chain. Responsibility for making a decision on the application is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency as the competent authority designated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Since procedures under legislation are in play it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this particular application.