Sugar reforms to be adopted next year
She told the Dáil in a written reply that the European Commission will then come forward with proposals for detailed implementing regulations. “It is my intention to examine all aspects of the operation of the restructuring scheme at that stage,” she said.
Ms Coughlan said the package agreed includes a voluntary restructuring scheme to encourage sugar factory closures and the renunciation of sugar quota.
In the event that sugar production ceases in Ireland, the restructuring fund would provide compensation for the economic, social and environmental costs.
“At least 10% of the fund would be used to compensate sugar beet growers and machinery contractors, notably for losses arising from investment in specialised machinery,” she said.
Ms Coughlan was also asked by Sinn Féin’s Martin Ferris if she will make a statement as a shareholder on what Greencore proposes to do with the former sugar factory at Carlow.
In a written reply, she said that as minister she holds a special share in Greencore plc. That share has the same monetary value as any other.
“It does not empower me to get involved in the normal business decisions of the company. I have not received any request from the company for consent to the sale of the Carlow site,” she said.
