Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will not detain him. I apologise for the mix-up that occurred previously. The Minister is familiar with the plans and proposals on the rejuvenation and re-establishment of the Irish sugar industry and its potential for jobs.

Most independent people believe there is the possibility of creating 4,500 jobs over time in this industry time. We import 80% of our sugar from British Sugar. The Minister is entering into a phase of serious negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, reform. As the compensation scheme is due to end from 2015 I ask the Minister to give me an update on whether the Government is seeking 1% of the quota for Ireland. I read with concern today in the farming supplement in the Irish Examinerabout a decision made by the European Union Commission to reduce the maximum target for crop-based biofuels and bio-liquids to 5%. Will that have any effect?

I heard the Minister say on RTE radio recently that he is broadly supportive of this move. It is a major opportunity for us. Thousands of people here are interested in it. It would provide an additional line to our farmers and those involved in tillage also, particularly in the event of inclement weather which we have experienced recently. We have grown sugar beet here. It can be done, and it would have the effect of reducing costs for many companies here that use sugar as a main part of their ingredients, both in the drinks industries and others, which import from other countries. I am interested to hear the Minister's views. Will this be part of the Government's negotiations on the CAP? I thank the Minister for attending.