Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Professor Matthews for his presentation and insights. I would like to focus on his perspective of what does and does not work under the current Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, from Ireland's point of view. If he was to start with a blank page in the morning in terms of what would be positive in the review of the CAP, how would he set it out and structure it? As pointed out by Deputies Jackie Cahill and Gino Kenny, a significant proportion of income, or almost all for farmers involved in some sectors, comes from farm payments. Therefore, the stakes are very high in terms of how much will be included in the budget and how it will be distributed. Unless it is maintained to a significant extent, it will sound the death knell for a number of family farms. It is crucial, therefore, that we achieve a good outcome. Starting with a blank page, how would the professor structure the CAP? What does he believe works and what does not?