Vol. 490 No. 1
18 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the failures that are resulting in genetic trials in the United Kingdom, where frequent cross pollinisation is occurring; and the effect, if any, this knowledge will have on Irish policy in this area. [9410/98]
Experimentation in plant genetics is required to continue improving the varieties of plants available. Before a variety of plant is granted breeders' rights, the variety must be novel and distinct, uniform and stable in its distinguishing characteristics.
Under the marketing of seeds legislation, the seeds must be certified by my Department before being offered for sale. If the seed crop does not meet specifications as to distances from neighbouring sources of pollen when growing, varietal identity and varietal purity the crop will be rejected.
The Deputy may have in mind plant varieties which may be essentially derived from other varieties by genetic engineering. No such varieties have yet been registered in the European common catalogue of varieties that may be marketed.
