Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
198 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has received a submission from the ICSA in regard to genetically modified foods, the nitrates directive and other related matters; if he expects or intends to respond positively to this submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20530/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the issue of genetically modified foods, I can confirm that a submission has been received from the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, ICSA. An interdepartmental inter-agency working group has been established within my Department to examine, among other issues, the co-existence of GM crops with conventional crops and organic farming. The working group is meeting all the relevant stakeholders on GMO issues and would plan to meet representatives of the ICSA over the coming weeks to get their views.
The implementation of the nitrates directive is in the first instance a matter for the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with my Department published a draft action programme which was presented in December last to representatives of the main farming organisations and other stakeholders. Written submissions on the draft action programme have been received from some 70 stakeholders, including the ICSA. All views and submissions were considered in preparing a revised draft action programme.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with my Department has now published a revised draft action programme giving effect to the nitrates directive and all stakeholders, including the ICSA, have been invited to make comments on it by 26 July.
199 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has received submissions from the IFA in the matter of the beef and dairy industry, the nitrates directive and other issues; if he expects or intends to respond positively to such submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20531/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubmissions received from the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, and other farming bodies on an ongoing basis which cover a wide range of matters. However, specific submissions relating to the beef and dairy industries have not recently been received from the IFA.
With regard to the implementation of the nitrates directive, this is in the first instance a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in conjunction with my Department, published a draft action programme which was presented in December last to representatives of the main farming organisations and other stakeholders. Written submissions on the draft action programme have been received from some 70 stakeholders, including the IFA. All views and submissions were considered in preparing a revised draft action programme.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with my Department has now published a revised draft action programme giving effect to the nitrates directive and all stakeholders, including the IFA, have been invited to make comments on it by 26 July. The farm organisations convey their views on a regular basis on a range of issues. This is done quite frequently through meetings with me and my officials.
