In August 2003, an interdepartmental group comprising representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Teagasc and the EPA, was established to examine issues relating to the coexistence of authorised GM crops alongside non-GM crops and to develop proposals for a national strategy and best practices in Ireland. In drawing up this report the group considered submissions from many interested stakeholders. I have just recently received the completed report and its recommendations.
While the group engaged extensively with relevant stakeholders when preparing the reports, I consider it prudent to invite further observations on the report from all interested parties. For that reason I am in the process of placing the report on my Department's website and I will invite observations shortly. I will then take into account all observations received before putting in place coexistence arrangements for Ireland.