Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she perceives a conflict between promoting a clean, green image for Ireland's food industry, including the organic sector and her failure to put in place a moratorium on genetically modified field trails; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40581/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Firstly I wish to inform the Deputy that the issue of placing a moratorium on genetically modified field trials is not a matter for my Department but that of my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

I am in no doubt but that any trials on GMOs in Ireland must be managed to ensure that the Green image which is associated with Ireland and its importance in the development and promotion of our food industry is protected. For that reason it is critically important that such trials must be carried out under the most stringent controls, compatible with EU legislation, and based on full scientific evidence to ensure that the safety of food and the environment are fully safeguarded. I am satisfied that such safeguards are feasible under Regulations which have been adopted by the Council and European Parliament.