Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the circumstances in which she can or is prepared to use the golden share she holds in the Irish Sugar Company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6955/05]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her approval has been sought from a company (details supplied) for the proposed sale of the site of the Carlow plant which is to close on 11 March 2005; if she intends to give her approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6957/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 136 together.

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. 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 from gaining control of Greencore plc.

I have not received any request from the company for consent to the sale of the Carlow site.