Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will ensure that Mallow Sugar Plant will not be dismantled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3733/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the EU scheme for the restructuring of the sugar industry, the maximum rate of restructuring aid is available where the sugar processor undertakes to fully dismantle the redundant sugar plant. Greencore, following its decision to cease sugar processing in Ireland last year, submitted an aid application for the maximum rate of aid and, accordingly, this entails full dismantling of the Mallow sugar factory in accordance with the EU regulations.

The regulations in question also provided an option for a processor to apply for a reduced rate of aid (75%) where a sugar plant would be partially dismantled and used for non-food purposes, such as bioethanol production. A decision on which option to pursue rested entirely with the owner of the plant.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will use her golden share in Greencore; the circumstances under which she would use such powers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3550/07]

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.