Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004
22 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the future of the sugar industry here; her further views on recent warnings from the IFA that the industry is facing major challenges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24483/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraConcerns about the future of the sugar industry have been expressed in the context of the proposed reform of the EU sugar regime. The sugar regime has not been fundamentally changed since it was established in 1968. Reform of the regime has now come on the agenda because of international pressures and having regard to the reforms already agreed for other CAP sectors in 2003 and 2004.
Legislative proposals for reform of the regime have not yet been published. However, the EU Commission outlined its broad proposals for reform in a communication to the Council and the European Parliament last July. At that time it was made clear that the proposals would have serious repercussions for the Irish industry at both growing and processing level and, therefore, that they were not acceptable in their current form. The proposals are expected to be discussed again at the Council of Agriculture Ministers next month. It will be my objective to protect the viability of sugar beet growing and processing in this country.
