Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps which she is taking through her golden share in Greencore to ensure that the company abides by the Labour Court Recommendations regarding staff compensation at the Mallow sugar factory; if the level of compensation for staff form part of the final package on the distribution of the sugar compensation or if it will form part of a separate deal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22047/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister I hold a Special Share in Greencore plc. That share has the same monetary value as any other share in the company but has conditions attached which prevent the company from engaging in a number of activities without the prior written consent of the Minister. In summary, the Special Share prevents the disposal of the controlling interest in Irish Sugar Ltd, or the sale, transfer or disposal of more than 20% of specified assets, including lands and properties, of Irish Sugar Ltd in Carlow and in Mallow used in the production of sugar. It also prevents a single shareholder or group of shareholders from gaining control of Greencore plc. The Special Share does not empower me to get involved in operational matters or normal business decisions made by the company.

The compensation package available under the agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime includes restructuring aid covering the economic, social and environmental costs of restructuring of the sugar industry involving factory closure and renunciation of quota. In Ireland's case, this aid would be worth up to €145m. This aid is subject to the submission by the processor of a detailed restructuring plan for the industry which must include a social plan detailing the actions planned in particular with respect to re-training, redeployment and early retirement of the work force concerned. The Commission Regulation laying down detailed rules for the implementation of the restructuring aid is expected to be adopted very shortly. Where restructuring takes place in the first year of the new regime, as is the case in Ireland, the application for restructuring aid must be submitted by 31 July 2006 and a final determination as to its eligibility made by the Member State at the latest by 30 September 2006.