Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Nov 1987

Vol. 375 No. 3

Written Answers. - Thurles Suger Beet Factory.

15.

Mr. Lowry

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there is a recommendation from the board of Siúicre Éireann CPT that the Thurles suger beet factory, County Tipperary should close; if he will issue a directive to the contrary; the plans, if any, he has to hold a meeting with the board of Siúicre Éireann CPT to discuss the future of the suger beet industry; the submissions, if any, he has received from the board regarding the rationalisation of this industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

31.

Mr. McDowell

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if it is proposed to close the sugar beet factory in Thurles, County Tipperary as part of a rationalisation plan for the sugar processing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 31 together.

Like other commercial State bodies Siúicre Éireann is required by the Government to submit and to up-date annually a five-year corporate plan.

I have had a meeting with the board of the company and am aware that a draft plan covering the period 1987-1992 has been prepared by management for consideration by the board. I understand that the draft plan will be on the agenda for the next meeting of the board, later this month. The conclusions of the board, when submitted officially to me, will be studied carefully and followed up appropriately with the company.