Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 471: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the decision by BASF not to proceed with the growing of genetically modified potatoes in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20885/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The adjudication of applications for field trials of GM crops is a function assigned to the Environmental Protection Agency, as the competent authority for the purposes of Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms; which is transposed into Irish law by the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 2003.

I am satisfied that the conditions set out in the consent granted by the EPA to BASF to carry out trialling of GM potatoes at Summerhill, Co. Meath are sufficient to minimise the possible risks of adventitious contamination of certified seed and ware potato crops in the surrounding area. BASF's decision not to proceed at this time with their proposed trialling under the conditions attached to the approval granted by the EPA is a matter for that company and I do not propose to comment on their decisions.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 472: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the councils, county or otherwise, that have notified her Department of their passing of motions relating to their opposition to the growth of genetically modified crops within their jurisdictions. [20886/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I have recently received communications from Trim Town Council, Cavan County Council and Roscommon County Council informing me that they have passed motions relating to their opposition to the growth of genetically modified crops within their counties.

The Deputy may be aware that 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, does not provide for the declaration of a GM free country or region. 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, coexistence 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.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 473: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason she voted in the European Council on 22 May 2006, against including large scale catering establishments within the scope of EU legislation on the labelling of genetically modified products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20887/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There was no vote taken at the European Council meeting on Monday 22 May 2006 on the organic sector proposal. The Presidency presented a progress report on the proposed organic regulation and conducted a policy debate on a number of issues. In relation to the inclusion of large scale catering establishments within the scope of EU organic legislation, I feel that, considering the complex nature of the industry, this matter should be left to individual Member States to decide.