Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The golden share only comes into play if a certain percentage of the company's sugar assets are sold. It does not allow me to interfere with the day-to-day management of the company or to influence decisions on severance pay. However, a number of my colleagues expressed their concerns to me about the Labour Court agreement. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, and I have urged the company to adhere to the agreement and I believe it will do so. In light of the concerns of workers at the plant, it is important that the matter is addressed.

With regard to compensation to beet producers, the figure of €106 million was proposed prior to the finalisation of the Council regulation. A 45 day process has been put in place so that Greencore can hold discussions with all those involved in the fund, following which it will bring proposals to me. A decision has to be made within the following 30 days as to whether the proposal will be accepted. The Government has appointed someone to advise on the basis of the proposals, after which the decision will be made. The Commission, which has a limited timeframe to consider the proposal, hopes to finalise the matter by the end of September and the funds will then be distributed according to a programme that has already been established. I cannot now make a definite estimate on the amount of money that will be made available because the process has yet to be completed.

I am aware of the concerns of those in the sugar beet sector, including workers, hauliers, contractors and the company itself but these concerns will have to be addressed in the context of the process which began last Friday. My Department has placed advertisements to seek the views of people on the basis of the consultation period.

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