Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

Returning to the issue of the golden share, does this special share prevent the disposal of assets of more than 20% of Irish Sugar? The decision to close the plant in Carlow means there will be a disposal of greater than 20% of the assets of Irish Sugar. Is it not unusual and does it not raise serious questions that the management of Greencore did not bring this to the Minister's attention or that of the Department? Given that Greencore has not applied for planning permission for a rail depot, will the Minister intervene to ensure farmers do not have to pay the additional transportation costs associated with the transport of beet to Mallow?

The Minister and her predecessor stated on numerous occasions that they were in contact with the Attorney General's office to clarify the ownership of the sugar beet quota. How long will it take to clarify this? What advice is the Minister getting from the Attorney General in regard to the ownership of the quota? Who has the controlling interest? The golden share does not seem to be worth anything if Greencore is not even prepared to do the Minister the courtesy of letting her know it was about to dispose of greater than 20% of the assets of the company, as it is legally bound to do.

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