Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 5

Written Answers. - Sugar Quota.

David Stanton

Question:

224 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his responsibility with regard to the national sugar quota; the amount and value of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25866/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The production of sugar in the European Union is regulated under the EU sugar regime. Under that regime each member state has a national sugar quota in respect of manufactured sugar. There is no quota at farm level nor is there a quota for sugar beet. Ireland's quota is 196,121 tonnes comprising A quota of 178,292 tonnes and B quota of 17,829 tonnes.

Each member state allocates the quota to the sugar manufacturing concerns on its territory. In Ireland's case the quota is allocated to Irish Sugar plc., the only manufacturer of sugar in the State. Contracts are agreed between the company and farmers to grow sugar beet sufficient to allow for the production of the sugar quota. I have no function in relation to the placing of these contracts.