Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

As I said, this will be paid for through a levy on existing sugar producing factories from throughout the European Community. National funding will not be involved.

The Deputy asked about the Spanish authorities. I met the Spanish Minister for Agriculture, Ms Elena Espinosa, the last time I attended a Council meeting, which was three weeks ago. As regards meetings with officials, unfortunately the Spaniards have changed their secretary general. However, there will be a further meeting of officials at that level when the new appointment is made.

As regards the closure of Carlow, I am not in a position to put forward the view of Greencore. As the Deputy knows, it is a publicly quoted company listed on the Stock Exchange. In my view Greencore made its decision on the basis of the initial publication from the European Commission of its view on reform of the sugar regime. Ultimately we are all agreed there needs to be reform of the regime. It will impact not only on Ireland and the European Community but also on developing countries who have put forward their case vociferously to the Council. Their viewpoints must be taken on board as well. We are not reviewing just one aspect of agriculture but are taking into consideration quite a number of pieces which are part of the puzzle. It will not be easy to put it together.

See this speech in context