Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

The outcome of the CAP health check presents a real opportunity to position our world class dairy sector to take advantage of the abolition of milk quotas in 2015. The securing of an increase in production capacity of 9.3% by 2014 is a considerable negotiating achievement and a tribute to the Minister and his team.

The Minister has undertaken to revisit the decisions as soon as circumstances permit and, in the meantime, there is an extensive programme to be pursued. A favourable outcome was achieved in the CAP health check, with benefits worth €170 million for Irish farmers. Landmark achievements in the area of animal health have been delivered and my Department will be spending €3.26 billion to support the sector next year.

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