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

Before I allow Senator Lombard in, I would like to make a few observations. This is the first time the Department officials have come before the committee to discuss CAP reform and not mentioned less bureaucracy and the simplification of CAP, which has been the hallmark of discussions for a long time. Every time there is a CAP review, the talk is of a more straightforward and simpler CAP. In his opening statement, Mr. Savage mentioned changes to direct payments and new delivery models. How will that circle be squared to make CAP simpler and less bureaucratic for the individual on the ground who was hoping for this to happen?

On the reserve fund, is it being replaced with a new risk management tool? At a previous meeting with the officials, we discussed an insurance model being developed. Is that still in the ether or has it been blown away?