Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 1067: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding genetically modified potatoes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19599/12]

Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 1114: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will comment on reports that Teagasc are to trial genetically modified potatoes at their Oakpark research facility in County Carlow; if this constitutes a change of policy for the State regarding GM foods and the value he places on Ireland's status as a GM-free State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18445/12]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1136: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter regarding genetically modified food (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18926/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1067, 1114 and 1136 together.

Teagasc operates as a separate non-commercial semi state body under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with their own management structure and governing Authority. The Act establishing Teagasc confers on it principal functions in relation to the provision of education, advisory and research services to the agriculture sector. It is a matter for Teagasc to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act and I have no function with regard to the day-to-day operations of Teagasc. Responsibility for issues relating to the cultivation of genetically modified crops, including GM trials, in Ireland rests with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan.