David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department has been successful in protecting the interests of the sugar beet producers and the sugar beet industry here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34936/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I reiterated my firm opposition to the Commission's proposals when I addressed last month's meeting of the Council of Ministers in Luxembourg. I emphasised that the price cuts proposed are too severe, the reforms should be based on a longer lead-in time for the EBA and we should await the outcome of the WTO meeting in Hong Kong before seeking to agree a more equitable and balanced outcome.

I have also remained in close contact with like minded colleague Ministers from other member states who are opposed to the reform proposals. In this context, a joint ministerial letter from a group of 11 member states, including Ireland, was submitted to the Commission in advance of the formal discussion at last month's Council meeting, setting out the objections of the group to the proposals. I have met with the Agriculture Commissioner a number of times to voice my strong reservations. Meanwhile, there has been ongoing contact at official level with other member states and the Commission in respect of the reform proposals.

Negotiations have become more intensive over recent weeks and the United Kingdom Presidency is striving to reach political agreement at next week's Council of Ministers. I will continue to be resolute in pursuing my overall objective of achieving a more balanced agreement, which will take Irish interests into account.