andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will oppose the current EEC proposals to reduce the Irish sugar quotas and if he will make a statement on the matter.

It is the Government's aim to secure the highest possible sugar production quotas for Ireland so as to ensure the future of the industry here. At meetings of the Council of Ministers I have therefore vigorously opposed the Commission's proposals to reduce the Irish sugar quotas.

Can the Minister of State tell the House when he anticipates that a decision on the sugar quotas will be taken in view of the extreme importance for employment in the sugar industry?

I would hope that a decision would be taken as soon as possible. It is at present before the meeting of the Council of Ministers. As the matter is so urgent for this country and particularly for sugar workers I would expect that a very early decision would be given on it. I do not think whatever decision is taken will affect the issue for this year anyway. We are hoping that the quotas will be left as they have been, with the same A and B quotas for this year.

Does the Minister feel that recommendations made by the Irish Government and by his Department will be successful in preserving the present quotas?

I am hoping that that will be the situation. As I have said, the quotas will probably be reviewed again next year. This year we are hoping that they will be left at the figure given last year, that is, 182,000 tonnes.

Is the Minister confident?

Quite confident.

Is it the Council of Ministers who take this decision in regard to sugar quotas finally?

It is the Council of Ministers who take the final decision.

Will they take that at their next meeting, or is the Minister hopeful they will?

They may not take it at their next meeting. The issue is not as urgent now as it has been for the past few months because, as I have said, we are hopeful that the quota will remain at the figure obtaining for the last few years, at 182,000 tonnes.

Has a decision been taken on that?

No.

The Council of Ministers will make a decision on that too.

I expect so, yes.

When will they take that decision?

I cannot give a definite date. Perhaps it will be at the price fixing meeting in May.