asked the Minister for Finance the increased revenue to the Irish Sugar Company of an increase of 1d per 1b on sugar.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Sugar Company Revenue.
1.
An increase of 1d per 1b in the retail price of sugar on the domestic market would yield additional revenue of approximately £1 million to the Irish Sugar Company in a full year at the present level of sales.
Could the Taoiseach tell us how much of that million will go for increased payment to the workers, how much towards the extra cost of transport and how much towards increased costs of farmers?
I could not give a breakdown now but I understand the bulk of it is taken up by increased costs, including labour costs.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the increased costs of the production of the beet going into the factory now in this year's crop amounts to 11s per ton in agreed costings, amounting to £580,000? Will he now instruct the Sugar Company to pay that amount to the farmers out of the milling?
I have no means of disputing the figures the Deputy has given but when I say that the increased costs include labour costs they also include increased prices paid to farmers for beet.
The increased costs to farmers were not paid and are not being paid. Will the Taoiseach give instructions to the sugar company to pay these costs to the farmers?
I will convey the Deputy's concern to the Sugar company.