Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the legal position regarding the golden share as determined by her Department in regard to shares of Irish Sugar Limited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4177/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister, I hold a special share in Greencore plc. That share has the same monetary value as any other share in the company but has conditions attached which prevent the company from engaging in a number of activities without the prior written consent of the Minister. It does not empower me to become involved in operational matters or ordinary business decisions made by the company. In summary, the special share prevents the disposal of the controlling interest in Irish Sugar Limited, or a certain percentage of the sugar assets and prevents a single shareholder or group of shareholders acting together from gaining control of Greencore plc.