Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
138 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the context of him working closely with the United States administration on African hunger and under nutrition, a country which promotes the use of genetically modified food, if he will clarify whether or not working closely with the US in this area will involve the Irish promotion of GM foods. [25356/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's support to reducing hunger and under-nutrition is guided by the national policies of each developing country, and in accordance with Ireland's policy of promoting local ownership of the development process. The use of genetically modified (GM) food and crops as part of this effort is a matter for the government of each developing country, and we respect their decision in this regard. Ireland will continue to focus on reducing hunger through improving smallholder farmer productivity, addressing maternal and infant under-nutrition and enhancing political commitment to tackle the root causes of hunger. As part of this, we look forward to engaging with other development partners, particularly developing country governments, civil society and our counterparts in the European Union, United States, and United Nations.
