Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I am pleased to have an opportunity to comment on the state of play regarding the Common Agricultural Policy review. Given the general nature of the question, I could respond for a long time, although the Leas-Cheann Comhairle would not allow me to do so. It is noteworthy that we will know by this evening what is the opening position vis-À-vis the Common Agricultural Policy budget. The Commission will hold what is probably its most important meeting in a long time this evening to decide and confirm the opening statement on the financial perspectives for the European Union. As part of this process, we will find out what proportion of EU funds it is proposed to allocate for the Common Agricultural Policy and in support of food production.

The Agriculture Commissioner, Mr. Dacian Ciolos, will make a strong case for maintaining the current budget level following the end of the current CAP process as well as allocating an additional amount of money to take account of the accession of Croatia should it join the European Union in the next two or three years, as is likely. Rather than trying to secure agreement to maintain the agricultural budget as a percentage of the overall budget, the Commissioner is seeking to have a specific figure maintained. I support his position which is more likely to be achieved.

The proposed Common Agricultural Policy for 2013 will be €61.2 billion and we are seeking to have this amount carried over into 2014, 2015 and beyond. In addition, we are seeking further funding to take account of the possibility of new member states acceding to the European Union. Croatia, as I noted, is first in line. While we will make a case for increasing the agriculture budget, if the starting position is that €61 billion will be provided for the CAP annually, we will be able to work with such an outcome. This is a positive story which we should welcome if it is achieved. While I am not saying this scenario will be the outcome, it is the result sought by the Commissioner. We will have the relevant information this evening. If this is the starting position, we will try to build on it in the 18 months or thereabouts during which negotiations will take place.

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