Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will state his precise policy in relation to the outdoor field trials of GM potatoes currently underway in County Carlow; the ultimate goal of conducting the research trials; the implications of the trials for Government policy on the use of GM; his view on whether this information is required to be disclosed under the Aarhus Convention which Ireland has recently ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40472/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Within Ireland the issue of genetic modification is dealt with by three Government Departments, as follows: GM foods come under the Minister for Health and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland; GM feeds and the Coexistence of authorised GM crops alongside non-GM crops rests with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; while; Approval to trial GM crops or authorise new GM crops for deliberate release into the environment rests with the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Environment, Community and Local Government;

Accordingly, my Department’s sole responsibility with regard to the cultivation of GM crops is in relation to coexistence measures in the event that commercial GM crops are grown alongside conventional crops. Given that GM crops are not cultivated commercially in Ireland and are unlikely to be for the foreseeable future, the issue of cultivation and coexistence does not arise at present.

Policy on genetic modification across Government Departments is that Ireland’s general stance at EU level and in international fora should be positive but precautionary, recognising the potential benefits of genetic engineering, while maintaining a fundamental commitment to human safety and environmental sustainability based on scientific risk assessment and management.

The field study being carried out by Teagasc on genetically modified potatoes resistant to late blight is part of a publicly funded EU research project being carried out by a consortium of 22 partners representing 15 EU Member States. The goal of the study is to research the impact of the GM potato on the blight disease itself and on soil organisms, which are essential to maintaining soil health.

The Aarhus Convention recognises the need for increased transparency and greater public participation in decision making. Teagasc are committed to disseminating all their research findings on these trials to the public, and have stated that during the study, the trial site will be accessible to the public for open days and information sessions and that they welcome the participation of all stakeholders.