asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the proposed curtailment of beet acreage by Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta; and that notification to this effect has already been served on beetgrowers; and if, as this policy is directly opposed to the second agricultural programme for economic expansion, he will take immediate steps to have this policy on the part of Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann rectified.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sugar Beet Acreage.
57.
I understand that these matters are at present being discussed between representatives of the beet growers and Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teo. and I do not wish to make any comment at this stage.
I have pointed out in the question that notification has been given to the growers of the proposed curtailment of beet acreage and the general policy as set out by the Sugar Company has been curtailment down to 68,000 acres of beet. Recently in a reply to a question, the Minister informed me that 88,000 acres of beet produced 131,000 tons of sugar and in those circumstances, I am asking to see that at least our domestic requirements of sugar, 121,000 tons, are produced at home.
That is not a question.
Surely there can be no justification for the import this year——
The Deputy is making a speech.
——of £3½ million worth of sugar.
The Deputy is making a speech, not asking a question.
Very well; I will raise it on the Adjournment.
I just want to point out to the Deputy that, as he knows, negotiations are taking place right now between the Sugar Company and the growers in relation to this whole matter. Therefore I should not like to say too much about it at this stage. I would, however, say this much: it is the job of the Irish Sugar Company in the context of our agricultural and economic policy as laid down in the Second Programme for Economic Expansion to produce from native beet the maximum possible amount of sugar required that can be disposed of on either the home or the export market.
I can assure the Minister that unless the attitude is changed by the Sugar Company, I am very seriously concerned whether we will negotiate or not.
Nobody has greater influence with the company than Deputy Corry.