Joe Higgins
Question:94 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government whether it is permissible to plant genetically modified maize which may be currently being imported. [12597/98]
Written Answers. - Genetically Modified Crops.
Joe Higgins
Question:95 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government whether it is permissible to plant any of the maize being imported in view of the fact that it is not known whether some of it is genetically modified [12598/98]
Joe Higgins
Question:96 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the individual or organisation responsible for monitoring the unauthorised planting of genetically modified plants. [12599/98]
Joe Higgins
Question:97 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government whether labels are put on maize imported indicating that it may be genetically modified and planting it may be unauthorised. [12600/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 95, 96 and 97 together.
The planting of genetically modified crops in this country is controlled under the genetically modified organisms regulations, 1994, SI No. 345 of 1994 and EU Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms to the environment. The 1994 regulations transpose directive 90/220/EEC into national law, and the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, is the competent authority for the purposes of the regulations and the directive. It is a matter for users in this country to ensure compliance with the requirements of the regulations or the directive, as appropriate, before proceeding with the deliberate release of a product containing or consisting of genetically modified organisms. Compliance monitoring and enforcement of the regulations and the directive is a matter for the EPA.
Genetically modified seed products can only be marketed in the EU subject to consent being granted under Directive 90/220/EEC and compliance with any conditions attached to the consent, including labelling requirements. Following an amendment of the directive in 1997, transposed into national law under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Amendment) Regulations, 1997, S.I. No. 332 of 1997, genetically modified products must be labelled or accompanied by documentation to indicate that they contain or consist of genetically modified organisms. In the case of genetically modified products to be marketed in mixed consignments with non-genetically modified organisms, information on the possible presence of genetically modified organisms is sufficient to meet the amended labelling requirements.