Joe Higgins
Question:76 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether it is permissible to plant genetically modified maize which may be currently being imported. [12592/98]
Written Answers. - Genetically Modified Crops.
Joe Higgins
Question:77 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether it is permissible to plant any of the maize being imported in view of the fact that it is not known whether it is genetically modified. [12593/98]
Joe Higgins
Question:78 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether labels are put on imported maize indicating that it may be genetically modified and planting it may be unauthorised. [12595/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76, 77 and 78 together.
Seed of cereal species including maize may not be marketed in Ireland unless it conforms to certain criteria and conditions. These conditions require that the seed be certified and labelled in accordance with the EU Council directive on the marketing of cereal seed and also that the seed is of a variety registered in the Irish National Catalogue or the EU Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species. This applies irrespective of whether the seed is genetically modified or not. Seed which does not comply with these conditions on certification and labelling, cannot be marketed for propagation purposes in this country.
My Department is aware that two genetically modified varieties of maize have been entered in the Spanish national catalogue and three varieties have been entered in the French national catalogue. None of these genetically modified varieties have as yet been registered in the common catalogue, which provides for the free movement of certified seed in the European Community.
Decisions taken under Directive 90/220/EEC to grant consent for the placing of genetically modified products, including genetically modified seed varieties for cultivation, on the EU market include specific labelling requirements.