Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 442: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the role he will have on the high level group established by President Barroso to help sort out the issues of GM within the EU and the way this initiative will help to clear the backlog of approvals for GM modified feeds within the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33835/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The high level group, also referred to as the 'Sherpa Group', was established last May at the initiative of President Barroso. The purpose of the group is to allow a discussion among senior officials from each Member State, each official representing the overall policy of their government on GMOs. The discussion would cover such topics as current legislation, increased food/feed prices, WTO issues and consumer reaction.

The first meeting of the group, which was an exploratory meeting was held in Brussels last July and Ireland was represented by an official from the Irish Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels. My Department will make available any information requested to assist these discussions.