James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister to the House to debate this very important motion. As we know, some 3,800 farmers in Ireland grow sugar beet, which represents an annual income of €80 million to Irish farmers and in the region of €140 million in total to the Irish economy. The production of beet is mostly confined to the southern counties of the south midlands and Munster, upon which many people directly depend.

Earlier this month the Minister for Agriculture and Food pledged to fight against the proposed EU reforms of the sugar regime as a priority this year. She stated that she felt the proposals would be the "death knell for the industry". In light of such a statement, I am sure the Minister will support the appeal to her in this motion to strongly resist any EU proposal which would threaten the long-term viability of sugar beet production. The amendment does not differ too much from the Fine Gael motion and it appears the Government parties are saying the same as Fine Gael. I am thankful that the Government has nearly come on side with Fine Gael on this issue.