Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I do not think the timetable is impossible but it is very tight. If it is not possible to deliver it on time we will have to look at a contingency plan, on which the Commission will have to put proposals together, which will involve extending the implementation of a new CAP by a year and some type of continuation measure for 2014. However, this may not be possible because if it is decided in the MFF that the budget allocation for CAP for 2014 will not be what it is now we will have problems with regard to how to allocate the money. This is not straightforward which is why I believe there will be considerable pressure to get the job done within the timeframe set out. If it is not possible to do that, we will need to get on with doing the job and putting in place a contingency plan for 2014 so that a new CAP could begin in 2015. I emphasise the ambition of the Government and that of the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament as far as I know is to get the MFF and CAP finalised in a timeframe that would allow us to enter a new CAP from the start of 2014.

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