Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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I thank the Minister and his officials. I have deep concerns about CAP, as I know the committee has as well. There is a movement across Europe and Europe is rearming. There is going to be an increase of €800 billion in the military budget. It seems from the noises Europe is making and the Minister's statements that we have very little impact over that. What practical steps is the Minister taking to persuade other European countries to protect CAP? We have to remember that CAP began as a result of a lack of food security across Europe. It is deeply worrying now that a time when Europe is rearming and maybe preparing for war, we will see reduction of food security.

If it is the case that that happens, what contingency does the Minister have for Ireland to increase food security? It appears there are huge land pressures around renewable energy, forestry, biodiversity and, indeed, the GAEC 2. The Minister mentioned there may be payments for farmers to reduce production in GAEC 2. Has the Minister concerns about that?

What contingency is in place in Ireland and not just to protect the CAP across Europe?