10 Jul 2012, 18:24
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine today met with Beet Ireland and the Sugar Bio Refinery Study Group. Both groups outlined detailed proposals on their plans to redevelop the sugar industry.
Both groups produced two standalone studies, which demonstrate the viability of a strong sugar industry in Ireland.
Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle TD says: “Our Committee were today presented with two professionally prepared presentations that demonstrate that the sugar industry is both viable and sustainable. Ireland’s quota would constitute just one percent of overall EU sugar quota but its restoration would considerably enhance our high-performing agri-food industry.
“Both groups made a striking economic case for the re-establishment of a secure and quality supply of sugar that is crucial to achieving the targets of Food Harvest 2020. Not only is sugar a vital raw material to a wide range of food manufacturing companies here, but sugar beet production boosts agricultural productivity in the form of crop rotation options and as good value fodder for animals.”
“It was also mentioned that the project would be an ideal and practical economic stimulus, given the considerable amount of expertise and ideal growing conditions for beet in a number of regions across the country.”
“It is encouraging that both models presented today reach many similar conclusions. Committee Members pointed to the need for both groups to work together and share information so that a common position can be forged in advance of any negotiations on the issue in Brussels.”
“Wholesome cross-party support on the Committee exists for the revitalisation of the industry, who will now work through domestic and European channels to ensure Ireland’s case is presented. While the European Commission’s position is to end quotas after 2015, a recent draft European Parliament report by Rapporteur Michel Dantin MEP has suggested this be extended to 2020.
“Our Committee undertakes to engage with the Minister, the Department, the European Commission, and most particularly the European Parliament through our MEPs, in the context of the current recommendations before the European Parliament to ensure our cross party position centred on restoring the Irish sugar industry is forcefully articulated. In the event of the quota regime being extended beyond 2015, a derogation for Ireland is achievable.”
Ends
For further information contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 6949926
F: +3531 618 4551
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie
Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine - Membership
Deputies:
Tom Barry, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin
Pat Deering, Fine Gael
Andrew Doyle, Fine Gael
Martin Heydon, Fine Gael
Colm Keaveney, Labour
Michael McNamara, Labour
Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fáil
Thomas Pringle, Independent
Senators:
Michael Comiskey , Fine Gael
Paschal Mooney, Fianna Fáil
Pat O’Neill, Fine Gael
Mary Ann O’Brien, Independent
Brian Ó Domhnaill, Fianna Fáil
Susan O’Keeffe, Labour