asked the Minister for Agriculture and food if he intends to seek increases in Irish sugar quotas from the EC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Sugar Quotas.
7.
Against the background of heavily over-supplied markets in the Community and worldwide, the current proposals on sugar by the EC Commission do not provide for any changes in member states' production quotas and the negotiations to date would suggest that this will be the likely outcome.
Will the Minister not agree that in view of the restriction on the production of milk and the interest in beet production shown by the farming community, in particular by the members of Macra na Feirme, there is a case for seeking an increase in Irish sugar quotas from the EC? Is the Minister aware of the increased efficiency of sugar plants such as Mallow which has a throughput of £7,000 per day and of the great potential for creating jobs producing by-products of sugar beet? Is the Minister prepared to make a case for an increased quota?
I have made a case and it is reflected in the Commission's proposals in respect of levies for overproduction which I referred to and which will have little effect on Irish sugar production. Those proposals will have a major effect on other countries. There will be a 2 per cent levy on "A" sugar which is the total of what we have, 182,000 tonnes, and 37 per cent levy on "B". The Deputy will be aware that we have not filled our "A" quota. Other countries are complaining bitterly that the Commission's proposals will impose very heavy penalties on them. The proposals, to say the least, are reflecting the Commission's response to our negotiations to the extent that we can get special treatment. However, we have not, over the last couple of years, filled the existing quotas.
Is the Minister suggesting that this year we will not fill our quota?
I am hopeful that this year we will fill our quota. The Deputy will be aware that over the past few years we have not filled our quota. I am referring to 1985-86 and 1986-87.
Is the Minister aware that restrictions have been imposed on the production of beet by the decision to refuse contracts? Macra na Feirme made a submission to the Department in regard to that and I should like to know if that is the reason we are not in a position to fill our sugar quota. Is there any restriction on the production of sugar beet?
I am not aware of that but that is a matter for Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann. I am not aware that any restriction has been imposed in such a fashion to prevent us reaching our quota. The indications are that this year we will exceed our quota. If the Deputy has any evidence of the refusal of contracts I would be glad if he would communicate it to me so that I can take the matter up with the sugar company.
Surely the Minister is aware that young people anxious to get into beet production cannot get beet contracts?
That is a different matter.
That is the point Deputy Sherlock was raising.