Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2006
416 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the possible cross-contamination of conventional crops arising from the trials of genetically modified potatoes in Summerhill, County Meath over the next five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8979/06]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the recent notification made by BASF to trial genetically modified potatoes at Summerhill, County Meath was made to the Environmental Protection Agency. This notification is in accordance with Part B of EU Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms, GMOs, into the environment but not for entry to the food chain. Responsibility for making a decision on the application is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency as the competent authority designated by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Since procedures under legislation are in play, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this particular application.
