Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there have been documented cases here of contamination of conventional crops by genetically modified strains; and if so, if she will provide information on the crops, locations and dates of such instances. [17960/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There have been no reports here of cases of contamination of conventional crops by genetically modified strains. In the absence of legislative on labelling thresholds for the adventitious presence of GM seed in conventional seedlots placed on the market in the EU, most member States (including Ireland) have been operating a voluntary agreement, since 2000, aimed at ensuring that GM seed is not inadvertently marketed in the Community. This involves each consignment of seed in excess of 2 kg, of designated species, being notified to the competent authorities and being accompanied by a certificate from a recognised laboratory stating that the seeds do not contain GMOs above the 0.1% level of detection. Ireland, along with the Other Member States involved, undertake annual random sampling of imported seedlots to verify compliance with interim thresholds for adventitious contamination set at levels recommended by the EU Scientific Committee on Plants in 2001 of 0.3% for oilseed rape and 0.5% for all other species including maize.

Since 2000 my Department has carried out random tests on a number of seedlots. Of 179 maize seedlots tested, no seedlot has been found with GM content exceeding the threshold of 0.5%. Eight seedlots had GM content detected at levels below the threshold — three in importations in each of the years 2001 and 2002 and one in each of the years 2003 and 2004. None have been detected since.

Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 363: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the appropriate allowance will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who wishes to purchase outright the Irish Land Commission annuity; if in view of the circumstances the amount being sought will be reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17963/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A special discounted buy out scheme, providing Land Purchase annuitants with the opportunity to buy out their annuities at a reduced price was introduced on the 1st January 2006. My Department has written to all annuitants, including the person named, providing each with an application form giving details of the scheme, the amount of their reduction under the terms of the scheme, the amount required to buy out their annuity and information on how to make their payment. The scheme provides that participating annuitants will receive a 25% discount off the capital sum outstanding on their annuity, assuming they discharge all their current arrears at the same time. In the case of the person named this reduction amounts to €5,421.90. This is a voluntary scheme, which will end on the 30th June 2006.