Greencore has defended the decision to close Carlow sugar factory as being absolutely necessary for the Irish sugar industry to survive.
In a robust defence to the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture yesterday afternoon, Greencore chief executive, Mr David Dilger, said that the "certainty" of the reform of the European sugar regime meant that Ireland "was always going to have to rationalise production on to one efficient site".
He said that the reforms currently under negotiation at European level were likely to result in increased competitiveness from cheaper imports.
A report by an international consultant evaluated both the Carlow and Mallow plants, and found that further investment was needed if either was to become efficient in an international market.
According to Mr Dilger, the report found Mallow to be 20 per cent more efficient, while the factory was also better placed as it was on an existing railhead.
He defended the handling of the plants closure, stating that an "attractive" redundancy and early retirement package would be in place for the 189 full-time employees and 137 seasonal workers, following Labour Court negotiations with staff.
Mr Dilger however, came under sustained criticism from TDs and senators for the way in which the closure was handled by failing to consult with either employees or beet growers before making the decision to shut the plant.
"I accept that the business did not engage with either employees or growers, specifically on the decision to close," Mr Dilger said.
He said that once the decision was made, workers were briefed "on a face-to-face basis" within three quarters of an hour.
Mr Dilger was also questioned on the knowledge of the Minister for Agriculture, Ms Coughlan, to close the plant, over documents released under Freedom of Information to committee member, Senator Fergal Browne of Waterford. They showed that Mr Dilger informed Ms Coughlan of the need to "possibly rationalise [ sugar factory] facilities" at a meeting in November, and telephoned her Department two days before the decision to close the Carlow factory, to inform her of the imminent decision. He did not inform her of any plans to close the Carlow plant at the November meeting.