On behalf of the Green Party, I wish to join with the other party leaders in extending our sympathy to the family of Frances Sheridan. Prior to the previous general election, the people were informed that the Government was in favour of continuing the moratorium on genetically modified foods and plants. Notwithstanding the widespread majority opposition of people in the EU to the lifting of that moratorium and the significant pressure exerted by the United States through people such as Mr. Sandy Berger and others at St. Patrick's Day events, what is the Government's position? The future of the EU moratorium on GMOs is to be decided during the Irish Presidency. Many farmers and members of the public are concerned and many organic farmers face losing their certificates if the moratorium is lifted. Will the Taoiseach clarify the Government's position on this issue?

While the EU regulatory committee failed to approve an application for GM maize, the European Commission has agreed to allow GM sweetcorn, BT11, into the EU. I understand the Council of Ministers now has three months in which to decide on the matter. Is it not strange that, despite the huge opposition to GM in this country and other EU countries, the Government finds itself in a minority of six nations out of 15 which wish to lift the ban? Many people in this country find that quite puzzling given the Government's position prior to the previous general election.

The position is that the ban still applies. The Irish Presidency will try to achieve consensus on this issue, but I understand from the Minister that this is unlikely to happen. Different countries have opposing views on this issue and are unlikely to come together in the short term or even the medium term. Countries have differing perspectives on this matter. The Irish Government position is that the scientific data and evidence needs to be explored fully so that whatever decisions are ultimately taken at EU level or at national level are based on the best scientific facts.

The Taoiseach gives the impression that Ireland did not vote or else abstained on the lifting of the ban whereas the Government voted in favour of it. A report in The Guardian today states that the EU will prohibit GM oil seed rape crops. The Belgian Government is in no doubt that growing GM oil seed rape is harmful to the environment and urges other EU countries to follow suit. Will the Taoiseach give consideration to Ireland being a GM-free zone? Will he let it be known that this is our view? We want this country to be a major food exporter that does not rely on genetic modification. The legal advice we have received suggests it is possible under the Cartagena Protocol on biosafety. Rather than sitting on the fence by waiting for consensus to arise like a dead body from the mire, I ask the Taoiseach to espouse a position. The Government's current position is that it is gung ho for GM.

It is not.

Yes, it is.

The Minister knows it.

Deputy Sargent, without interruption.

That is what the Government voted for. I would like to get clarification, just as would many other people.

Deputy Sargent is aware that three issues are at stake in this regard, but I will provide details for the information of the House. This matter has been a major source of contention between the US and Europe for some years. Discussions on the issue have continued and will continue in that context.

The Government is kowtowing to the US.

It is also a major subject of debate in the WTO round, which is continuing. Deputy Sargent is incorrect to say we voted in a blanket way on a particular position at EU level. That was not the case. Attempts were made to try to put controls in place on a specific position, but that did not work. The alternatives that were proposed were not accepted and there was no compromise. The EU position is that there are different perspectives in different countries, but we should try to work to achieve a Common Position. Our position is that the Common Position should be based on scientific fact. If we make a move, we will know that it is based not on hearsay but on hard scientific fact. That will continue to be our position. Deputy Sargent asked me if the matter will be pursued during our Presidency. It is unlikely that countries will change their positions until the WTO discussions have concluded.

Will we change our position?

What is our position? I still do not know.