Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

There is no question or doubt but the negotiations going on at present in Brussels and the structures the Minister mentioned are vital for the future of Irish agriculture. Last July, to the great relief of the Irish agricultural sector, the European Commission committed itself to maintaining CAP funding at 2013 levels. From the meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and Marine attended by the Members of the European Parliament and in talks and discussions we have had with various people in Europe and at home, there seems to be huge pressure on the CAP budget. Before we go into its distribution and its various sections, we need to ensure the strongest possible case is made to maintain the budget as was promised in July last year. The negotiations seem to be slowing down. It was always envisaged, and the Minister stated it on numerous occasions, the CAP negotiations would be finalised during the Irish Presidency and his chairmanship of the European Council of Agriculture Ministers. What is the likelihood of this happening? If it does not happen are contingency plans in place to roll over the present Common Agricultural Policy to 2014?

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