asked the Minister for Agriculture if the home production of sugar is sufficient to meet national requirements; if not, the amount imported annually; and from what source.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home Sugar Production.
5.
Home production of sugar is normally more or less adequate to meet national requirements for direct consumption and for use in the food processing industry.
Imports in each of the past two seasons have been approximately 70,000 tonnes a year and have come mainly from other countries of the Community, Barbados, Mauritius, Cuba and Jamaica. The imported sugar consisted largely of raw cane sugar which was refined here, thereby providing valuable employment. The imports also enable the Sugar Company to supply some useful export markets which it has developed.
Some raw cane sugar is imported and refined here, but could the Minister explain why it was necessary to import refined sugar, sugar which caused so much embarrassment at a recent Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis, at which Fianna Fáil Deputies had to try to explain the position to their constituents?
Was the Deputy at the Ard-Fheis?
The newspaper correspondents were.
Big brother was watching you.
The GIS was there.
Question No. 6.
Can the Minister say what proportion of the sugar imported is processed as distinct from raw cane sugar?
In 1975-76, 66,476 tonnes were imported. In 1976-77, 70,355 tonnes were imported. The country of origin is not listed.
Is that processed or unprocessed sugar?
Unprocessed.
How much is processed?
I have not that information.