Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that, in addition to existing EU legislation relating to the deliberate release — field trials — and placing on the market of genetically modified organisms — which, in Ireland, is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for the Environment — the European Parliament and Council recently adopted Regulation (EC) No. 258/97 on novel foods and novel food ingredients. Genetically modified foods come within the scope of "novel foods", as set out in Article 1.2 of that Regulation.
The Novel Foods Regulation is due to come into effect in all member states in mid-May of this year. My Department has assumed responsibility for its implementation in this country.
The regulation provides that novel foods and novel food ingredients must undergo a safety assessment and be officially approved/authorised before being placed on the market. Thus, the regulation, which is an internal market measure, ensures that common rules and procedures in relation to novel foods and ingredients will apply across all member states of the European Union. I believe the controls now available under the EU legislation will provide protection for both consumers and producers but I will be keeping the matter under continuing review.