Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
169 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if it is his intention to pursue a genetically modified free island policy as an integral part of the Ireland-the food island image; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20039/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe rules governing the production and use of GMOs within the European Union are set down in legislation which applies across all member states. The legislation has been jointly adopted by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. Member states may adopt restrictions on the growing of GM crops but they must be crop specific and geographically limited.
The GM areas of direct relevance to my Department are those relating to the issue of the coexistence of GM crops alongside non-GM crops and controls on the authorisation and labelling of GM feed. The Commission has decided that co-existence should be addressed at member state level and has provided a series of guidelines to assist in dealing with the issues that arise. All member states, including Ireland, are in the process of drawing up strategies and best practices to provide for effective coexistence arrangements without contamination of non-GM crops. An interdepartmental working group has been set up by the Department of Agriculture and Food to examine this whole co-existence issue.
The growing and use of GMOs in Ireland must be managed to ensure that the green image which is associated with Ireland and its importance in the development and promotion of our food industry is protected. In this context it will be important to ensure that satisfactory arrangements are in place to provide for the growing of GM crops and the labelling and traceability of GM feed.
