Dáil debates

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions

Sugar Industry

10:10 am

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

People should not underestimate just how positive a sugar industry is for agriculture. It is a great crop and a cash crop for farmers that is not reliant on payments and subsidies. If we can rebuild this industry, we should do it. My understanding is that approximately half if not two thirds of the hectarage of sugar beet that was grown when we had a sugar industry is still grown in Ireland. Farmers like to grow it. They use it as a sweetener and feed source for livestock. Farmers are good at and like growing this crop. The issue is whether the level of investment will be able to provide a return that is commercially viable and bankable and whether we can put together a consortium that can make this happen. It is a huge investment.

The arms of the State are available in the normal way in terms of support, including Enterprise Ireland and so on. Ultimately, this needs to be a commercial proposition so that farmers know that if they start producing sugar beet for a sugar or ethanol industry it will be a lasting industry. Financially, the commercial proposition must stand on its on two feet. I will be as supportive as I can be.

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