1067 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding genetically modified potatoes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19599/12]

1114 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will comment on reports that Teagasc is to trial genetically modified potatoes at its Oakpark research facility in County Carlow; if this constitutes a change of policy for the State regarding GM foods and the value he places on Ireland’s status as a GM-free state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18445/12]

1136 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter regarding genetically modified food (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18926/12]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1067, 1114 and 1136 together.

Teagasc operates as a separate non-commercial semi state body under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with their own management structure and governing Authority. The Act establishing Teagasc confers on it principal functions in relation to the provision of education, advisory and research services to the agriculture sector. It is a matter for Teagasc to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act and I have no function with regard to the day-to-day operations of Teagasc. Responsibility for issues relating to the cultivation of genetically modified crops, including GM trials, in Ireland rests with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan.