Vol. 564 No. 3
18 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by beet growers; the way in which they may face a penalty under an under-delivery clause; his plans to assist in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9078/03]
The production of sugar in all member states of the European Union is regulated by the EU sugar regime. The EU regulation specifies a quota in respect of manufactured sugar for each member state and provides that the quota be allocated to the sugar manufacturing enterprises on the member states territory. In Ireland's case the quota is allocated to Irish Sugar Limited. It is a commercial matter for Irish Sugar Limited to place contracts with growers to deliver sugar beet sufficient to allow for the manufacture of the sugar quota. Difficulties concerning clauses in the contract, such as the under delivery clause, are matters for resolution between the company and the growers. While I have no direct involvement in this matter, I am aware that it has been the subject of discussions between Irish Sugar Limited and the growers' representatives.
