Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food in view of the continued problems regarding the EU sugar regime, her plans to examine alternative uses for the beet farmers produce, in regard to the possible production of ethanol or other bio-fuels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26445/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As I have indicated previously, I regard the Commission's proposals for reform of the sugar regime as unacceptable and have made this clear directly to the Commissioner and in the Council of Ministers.

The production of ethanol from sugar beet is a possible alternative outlet for farmers but, as matters stand, Irish Sugar Limited has arrangements in place to process the full Irish sugar quota at its Mallow plant, which has been upgraded for that purpose. The question of an alternative use for sugar beet does not therefore arise at present.