Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 May 2012
7Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he has had any discussions with companies that wish to use the GM method to grow crops in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23334/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have not had any meetings or discussions with any company wishing to engage in the cultivation or growing of GM crops in Ireland.
I appreciate this question may have been prompted by the proposal by Teagasc to trial a genetically modified blight-resistant potato on its own land in Carlow. Teagasc submitted an application to the Environmental Protection Agency seeking authorisation to carry out a field study on genetically modified potatoes resistant to late blight. This trial is part of a publicly-funded EU research project being carried out by a consortium of 22 partners representing 15 European Union member states. The main objective of the Teagasc field trial is to assess the impact of cultivation of the blight-resistant potato on the Irish ecosystem, that is, bacterial, fungal, nematode and earthworm diversity in the soil, compared with that of conventional potatoes.
The Deputy will be aware that I have advised in previous parliamentary questions that the Teagasc application currently is being considered by the board of the Environmental Protection Agency and that Government responsibility for the cultivation of GM crops rests with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan. I understand the EPA will decide on this application towards the end of this month.
My heart sank on realising the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, has responsibility for whether funding is allocated. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, has spoken of building a brand in respect of Irish agriculture and this brand is about clean, green high-quality food for the export market. One of the fastest-growing food labels in both Europe and the United States is the GM-free food label and anything that would harm the brand and image of Irish agriculture would be detrimental. A recent survey was carried out in which 87% of those surveyed thought the GM sector could not be regulated and approximately 70% of respondents thought GM foodstuffs should not even be brought into being. My question pertains to the application. I am unsure whether I missed the detail in the answer but when does the Minister of State expect a decision on the application to be made by the Minister, Deputy Hogan?
It is to be made at the end of this month. I attended a meeting with the Minister, Deputy Hogan, and the people concerned and this is a trial in which Teagasc is participating. It will not in any way put at risk Ireland's image. This trial is part of a European Union research project and people should read into what is involved. I have also asked a similar question in this regard. Moreover, the Deputy's heart should not slump when he speaks of the Minister, Deputy Hogan, and perhaps it should lift. It is a trial and there should be no scaremongering.
I am not scaremongering.
I do not suggest the Deputy is doing so but-----
Sorry, but the question has been answered and there are no discussions.
However, the answer made mention of how an application has been made for a trial process. How long is it envisaged such a trial will take? Over what period will such a trial last?
I am sure it will take the length of time it takes a potato plant to grow. That is as straight an answer as I can give the Deputy. I also made my position quite clear when I attended the aforementioned meeting. This will not be carried out in an area where it will affect any other plant.
Is that a commitment?
This can be guaranteed. The Environmental Protection Agency will make the decision on the day.
