Liam Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food when formal applications forms will be made available to machinery contractors and hauliers to allow them claim under the sugar beet compensation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32475/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the relevant EU Regulations, eligibility for the EU restructuring aid for the sugar industry is confined to three categories: processors, beet growers and certain specialized machinery contractors who worked for the growers. In accordance with the EU Regulations, the Government in July made certain decisions concerning implementation of the restructuring aid, in particular the percentage to be reserved for beet growers and machinery contractors. These decisions were based on the recommendations of an independent expert, Indecon International Economic Consultants, following a rigorous consultation exercise with interested parties. The independent expert acknowledged that other groups apart from the three eligible categories might be affected directly or indirectly by the closing of the sugar industry, including hauliers and other suppliers of goods and services, but also recognised that they are not eligible for aid under the EU Regulations.

The Government decisions are now the subject of Judicial Review proceedings instituted by Greencore Group plc in the High Court. Under the EU Regulations, the first instalment of the aid would fall to be paid in June 2007. An announcement about the application procedure will be made in due course.