Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress made in her discussions with the EU Commission on 19 September 2005 regarding proposals for reform of the EU sugar regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26444/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I presume that the Deputy is referring to the meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council which took place on 19 September. On that occasion, the sugar reform proposals did not feature on the Council agenda.

I expressed my serious concerns about the proposals when I met with Commissioner Fischer Boel on her visit to Ireland in June, and again at the Council of Agriculture Ministers in July. I emphasised that the price cuts proposed are too severe, that the reforms should be based on a longer lead-in time for the Everything But Arms agreement and that it would be preferable to await the outcome of the WTO meeting in Hong Kong in December before seeking to conclude an agreement on sugar reform. I have also continued to remain in contact with like-minded colleague Ministers from other member states who are opposed to the reform proposals.

The proposals as they stand would have serious implications for Ireland and I have made clear that they are unacceptable. They will again be discussed at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers on 24-25 October. My overall objective is to ensure a more balanced agreement, which will take Irish interests into account.