Martin Ferris
Ceist:105 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if liability will fall upon the biotech companies if insurance companies refuse to provide cover for genetically modified crops. [13802/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 12 May 2004
Ceisteanna (86, 87, 88)
Martin Ferris
Ceist:106 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will require that full insurance cover be in place prior to the permitting of the growing of genetically modified crops. [13803/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMartin Ferris
Ceist:107 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will require that biotech liability legislation will be put in place prior to consideration of allowing the growth of commercial genetically modified crops. [13805/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 to 107, inclusive, together.
An interdepartmental and inter-agency working group has been set up in my Department, inter alia, to develop proposals for a national strategy and best practice relating to the co-existence of GM crops with conventional and organic farming. The working group, as part of its work programme, will examine the issue of liability and compensation in the context of any economic loss incurred by a farmer as a result of the planting of GM crops in an area.