99 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to establish an independent centre to provide unbiased information on genetically modified food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11894/02]

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland – FSAI – was formally established as an independent statutory body on 1 January 1999 under the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act, 1998. The FSAI is a science based consumer protection agency independent of sectoral interests. Its scientific committee has established a genetically modified organisms and novel foods sub-committee which serves to advise me on issues in this area together with affording a forum for the exchange of expert scientific opinion and independent advice on this new technology and its application to food.