Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 March 2005
124 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the circumstances in which she can or is prepared to use the golden share she holds in the Irish Sugar Company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6955/05]
View answer136 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her approval has been sought from a company (details supplied) for the proposed sale of the site of the Carlow plant which is to close on 11 March 2005; if she intends to give her approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6957/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 136 together.
As Minister I hold a special share in Greencore plc. That share has the same monetary value as any other share in the company but has conditions attached which prevent the company from engaging in a number of activities without the prior written consent of the Minister. In summary, the special share prevents the disposal of the controlling interest in Irish Sugar Limited, or a certain percentage of the sugar assets and prevents a single shareholder or group of shareholders from gaining control of Greencore plc.
I have not received any request from the company for consent to the sale of the Carlow site.
