Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Smith for his insights and analysis. We can have all of the ambition we want in respect of generational renewal and greater sustainability but if we do not have the budget, to which the Deputy referred, that is all wishful thinking. I see securing an adequate budget as the fundamental prerequisite to any of the rest. Commissioner Oettinger's commentary on CAP and the beady eyes of other Commissioners around the table looking at the other challenges the EU faces are a cause of concern. However, the Government would say Europe faces other challenges and security and migration come to mind. They could well learn from our experience that common problems could well do with a common approach. However, that is not a reason to raise the budget of the Common Agricultural Policy which has been spectacularly successful. The public consultation showed there is continuing public support for a Common Agricultural Policy provided we embrace the bigger challenges now around sustainability. We are working hard with member states for that reason.

France has always been an ally in CAP negotiations and recent soundings from President Macron are a bit more reassuring in respect of France's commitment to an adequately funded CAP. Recent soundings coming from the Germans have also been positive. We work closely with what might be described loosely as the older member states of the European Union in the context of these matters and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure that is resolved satisfactorily.

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