Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 173: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if compensation will be awarded to landowners whose land was used to grow beet as part of the overall compensation scheme arising from the recent EU talks on the future of the sugar beet industry here (details supplied). [38531/05]

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

The recent agreement on the reform of the EU sugar regime provides for partial compensation, to be paid as part of the single payment scheme, for beet growers for the drop in the minimum price of beet. In the event that sugar production ceases in Ireland, a once off payment of almost €44 million would be available for growers and a restructuring fund of up to €145 million would become available to provide compensation for the economic, social and environmental costs arising from factory closure. The agreement provides that 10% of the restructuring fund shall be reserved for sugar beet growers and machinery contractors to compensate notably for losses arising from investment in specialised machinery.

The formal legal texts giving effect to the agreement will be adopted by the Council of Ministers early next year after the opinion of the European Parliament has been received. The Commission will then come forward with proposals for detailed implementing rules. Pending the adoption of the relevant regulations it is not possible to give further definitive information.