Vol. 482 No. 8
41 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether the annual programme of works for 1997, submitted by Teagasc to him, included research into, or using, genetically modified organisms; and if so, the kind of research which was planned. [17750/97]
44 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the research work, if any, planned by Teagasc for 1997, other than that approved in the annual programme of works which has been approved by him or by his predecessor. [17751/97]
In accordance with section 13 (3) of the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc submits annually a programme of its planned research, advisory and training activities for the following calendar year.
With regard to research, the annual programme contains a general outline of the planned activities in 12 programme areas. It does not go into the details of individual projects, trials or experiments. Decisions on these are taken by Teagasc itself on the basis of available resources and developments during the course of the year. However, they must conform to the broad programme as approved by me.
The only work undertaken by Teagasc in 1997 in the area of genetically modified organisms was a field trial on genetically modified sugar beet at the Crops Research Centre, Oak Park between May and October. This work was in line with the approved programme for 1997 which had proposed increased emphasis on cost reduction technologies in the crop production area. It was also conducted in accordance with the conditions stipulated by the Environmental Protection Agency which is the regulatory authority in relation to the use of genetically modified organisms.
