Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 322: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the details of the formal submission made to the European Commission in regard to a request (details supplied) from the Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7750/05]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 323: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the principal comparative results of a study (details supplied) as far as the sugar industry here is concerned; the Government's views on the study; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7751/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 323 together.

The document referenced, COM (2003) 554 final, is a communication, dated 23 September 2003, from the Commission to the Council and European Parliament entitled "Accomplishing a sustainable agricultural model for Europe through the reformed CAP — the tobacco, olive oil, cotton and sugar sectors". It was transmitted to the Council on 29 September 2003, accompanied by a Commission staff working paper entitled "Reforming the European Union's sugar policy — Summary of impact assessment work". I presume this impact assessment work is the study signalled in the Commission's reply to a member of the European Parliament on 12 November 2002. Both documents are available on the Commission's website.

Member states were not requested to make formal submissions to the Commission in the context of the communication or the impact assessment. The impact assessment shows that Ireland is one of a group of countries vulnerable to price reductions for sugar and sugar beet. While I have no difficulty with this assessment, I have serious reservations about the Commission's initial ideas for reform of the sugar regime as outlined in its communication of July 2004. The Commission's formal legislative proposals for reform of the sugar sector are not expected until next June. When these proposals come before the Council of Ministers, my priority will be to ensure that the future shape of the EU sugar regime will be consistent with the continuance of an efficient sugar beet growing and processing industry in this country.