Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the release of genetically modified crops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32769/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland's national policy on GMOs was officially set out in the October 2000 Report of the Interdepartmental Group on Modern Biotechnology which was endorsed by the Government. The overall conclusion of this report was summarised as 'a positive acceptance of the potential benefits of biotechnology tempered by a precautionary approach to the potential risks — and to ensure that as far as is possible, the benefits of biotechnology are maximised and the risks minimised without compromising on safety for people and the environment'.

Coupled with this position is the comprehensive set of GM legislation which has been adopted by the European Parliament and the Council over the last five years under the co-decision procedure. This new legislation, which is binding on all Member State, governs the assessment and approval procedures for GM crops, food and feed which ensures that the highest standards are in place to protect the citizens of the Community from a food safety and environmental safety aspect.

I am accordingly satisfied that the current authorisation procedure for the deliberate release of GM crops into the environment is the most stringent in the world. We can be assured that this system, which has at its core a rigorous scientific testing system, will ensure that the environment and the food chain will not be contaminated by authorized GM crops. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the Competent Authority in Ireland responsible for the authorization of GM crops for deliberate release into the environment.