asked the Minister for Finance the plans the Government have in relation to the development of the Sugar Company's plants.

Decisions on the development of the company's plants are primarily a matter for the board of the Irish Sugar Company. Work on a major programme of modernisation of the sugar factories has already begun and this will involve a considerable expenditure over the next few years. As regards the food processing factories, the company consider it is necessary to rationalise production facilities as a step towards eliminating losses in this sector. The Government are concerned to ensure that, whatever rationalisation of production facilities may take place, full account will be taken of the interests of company employees and growers.