asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when work will commence on the Siúicre Éireann cpt site in Tuam, County Galway; if Goodman International have indicated when they hope to commence meat processing at the factory; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I understand that the construction of the Tuam processing plant is being given priority by Goodman International in their development programme for the meat industry. Agreement in principle has been reached with Siúicre Éireann on the purchase of the site and some preparatory work has already started. The Department of Agriculture and Food have been informed that when certain outstanding issues are resolved, notably with the local authority on planning approval, site work will commence. It is expected to have the plant in production next year.

Is the Minister aware that the Irish Sugar Company, through their chief executive and board of directors, agreed to hand over a sum of £2 million as the cost, if you like, of their disengagement from sugar processing in Tuam last year? Will the Minister inform the House if that £2 million will now be made available because it transpires that there is a breakdown in so far as the infrastructural needs of the new factory are concerned? There must be a much better water supply augmentation scheme in Tuam — this has developed in the last couple of weeks. Is the Minister prepared to ensure that the Sugar Company live up to the guarantee they gave last year that £2 million would be paid by them to the community in Tuam and whoever would be starting the new industry?

That is a $2 million question.

The question in relation to the detail of the arrangement which the Sugar Company made with the Tuam community and the local authority there is a matter essentially and in the first instance for the Sugar Company and the local authority in Tuam.

Is the Minister aware of the particular agreement and, if so, will he insist that the Irish Sugar Company live up to their promise?

I am not aware of the details of the agreement. All I know is that agreement in principle has been reached with Siúicre Éireann on the purchase of the site which Goodman International used to construct their new plant there.