Genetically Modified Organisms.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 May 2006

Thursday, 18 May 2006

Questions (93)

Enda Kenny

Question:

87 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her position on the release of genetically modified potatoes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18809/06]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The adjudication of applications for field trials of GM crops is a function assigned to the Environmental Protection Agency, as the competent authority for the purposes of Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms; which is transposed into Irish law by the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 2003. The conditions set out in the consent granted by the EPA are designed to minimise the possible risks of adventitious contamination of certified seed and ware potato crops in the surrounding area.