asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the future of the Tuam beet factory, County Galway and what steps he proposes taking in order to protect the beet farmers in Mayo and Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuam Beet Factory.
55.
In the recent Government announcement on sugar quota arrangements within the EEC it was stated that there will be no drop in sugar beet production and that current output and employment will be maintained in the sugar factories. Present indications are that production and employment at the Tuam sugar factory will be maintained at existing levels in the foreseeable future. Growers in Counties Mayo and Galway will be given every reasonable opportunity to maintain and possibly increase their present beet acreages.
May I ask the Minister whether this is still true in the light of the fact that it now transpires that the information given previously on this subject was misinformation? Even without an Exchequer grant is this true?
The fact is that the statement as I made it was true when I made it and is still true and I do not accept the statement by the Deputy in relation to the other matter he referred to.
I appreciate that the Minister does not accept it, but when a Minister says it is in our power to do something it means it is in our power to do it. May I ask the Minister the plain question whether, on the basis that we now hear that there may not be a power to give an Exchequer grant, we can still ensure the maintenance of employment? It is important in view of the doubt cast on the original answer that this should be made clear. On my own calculation it would appear—I ask the Minister is this correct—that without the Exchequer grant we could produce at the present price of £94 a ton, 176,000 tons, which would maintain employment. Will the Minister tell me that that is a correct answer and give the House some kind of assurance in view of the doubt he and his colleague have cast on this whole question?
I could not, off-hand, confirm the Deputy's computation, but I think it is correct. I have not got it in front of me but I think I have seen this computation already. I can confirm unhesitatingly and unequivocally that there will be no reduction in sugar production or in employment.
If this referendum is won it will be won by us despite the Government at the present rate of going. Sabotage.
Is the Minister aware that six weeks or two months ago there was to be redundancy in the beet factory in Tuam. The farmers in Mayo, Galway and Roscommon support this industry which is a great asset and gives great employment to the people there. Would the Minister now state that there is no threat of redundancy at the moment?
I have said that, nor is there any in the foreseeable future.