Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, as well as his official, Mr. Gleeson. The purpose of the meeting is in keeping with the committee's examination of European Union, EU, matters and relevant policy areas as the Minister, Deputy Creed, will give the committee an update after the EU Council meeting involving agriculture and fisheries Ministers.

As members are aware, the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, is perhaps the most significant instrument that underpins agriculture in Ireland as well as the wider European Union. With challenges such as Brexit, climate change and an expanding trade policy on the horizon, its importance cannot be underestimated. The committee has been following discussions of CAP at the Council in recent meetings, as well as communications published last November, and there are plans to make a series of contributions ahead of the first proposal, which is expected in June. The committee will also make proposals. Additionally, the matter of CAP resourcing within the multi-annual financial framework remains of particular concern to this committee.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or an official either by name, or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The Minister may now make an opening statement.