asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the Government's plans for the future development of the Irish Sugar Company; the role the recently announced joint venture between the Irish Sugar Company and WP & RO Odlum will play; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A final decision on the future development of Siúicre Éireann cpt has not yet been taken by the Government. The position is that following their consideration of a report by a firm of management consultants, the Government set up an ad hoc committee to prepare a report on all options for the company's future. Until such time as the Government have considered the committee's report, it is not possible to predict what role the recently announced proposed acquisition of a 50 per cent share of Odlums Ltd. will play in the future development of Siúicre Éireann cpt.

Could the Minister say what the Government's attitude is likely to be to any suggestion of privatisation of the Irish Sugar Company? Has the Price Waterhouse report been submitted to the Government and what recommendations does it contain with regard to the question of privatisation?

In February 1989 the Government commissioned Price Waterhouse to report on the future of the Sugar Company. Following consideration of the report the Government decided to establish an ad hoc group to prepare a report on all options for the company's future including diversification with the minimum of financial risk. The ad hoc group have met on a number of occasions and have set the end of next month as the deadline for the completion of their work. The report of this group should be ready for submission to the Government early in the new year and a decision will be taken at that stage.

Will the Minister state his attitude to a recommendation for the privatisation of the Irish Sugar Company?

No decision has been taken in relation to the Sugar Company. The group were established to look into the future of the Sugar Company and have not yet reported to the Government. That report is due next month and when it is presented to the Government a decision will be taken early in the new year by the Government.

Question No. 7, please.

Before I reply to Question No. 7, I wonder if the House would want to acknowledge the presence in the Distinguished Visitors' Gallery of the son of the late Senator Robert Kennedy and some friends and family from America who have distinguished this country both at home and abroad.

You are most welcome.