Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2004
294 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether it is in Ireland’s best interest to establish Ireland as a genetically modified free zone in order to maintain competitive advantage and the reputation built up over many years by Bord Bia, in view of her views on Ireland’s clean green image; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33408/04]
View answer295 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that EU consumers are voting with their feet by not purchasing food products associated in any way with genetically modified crops; if Irish food products are in danger of losing competitive advantage in a highly competitive EU and worldwide market due to the potential impact which genetically modified crops would have on Ireland’s reputation of high quality food; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33409/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 295 together.
The position on GM production is that the EU legislative framework, put in place by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers and which is binding on all member states, provides for controls along the whole supply chain which ensure that only food which meets the highest standards of food safety can be grown and marketed. It is not permissible, under that legislative framework, for Ireland, or any member state, to declare itself a GM-free zone. The stringent traceability and labelling requirements for GM food within the EU ensures that that the consumer is fully informed of the presence of GM foods being sold and can accordingly exercise their choice in its purchase. While the production of GM crops in Ireland is not anticipated for the foreseeable future, with all the necessary controls in place any such production will not impact adversely on the image Irish food currently enjoys on the world's markets.
