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

On the latter point, I ask the Deputy to reflect on the fact that we are absolutely resisting the co-financing of Pillar 1 payments because that would skew the performance of the Internal Market and the commonality of the agricultural policy. We must resist co-financing at every opportunity because it could mean that rich member states could put their hands in their pockets and supplement their farmers to the disadvantage of other member states. One of our core objectives is to remain the commonality of CAP.

On capping, we exhausted all opportunities in the context of the programme for Government commitment, which it was not possible to achieve within the current CAP. There is resistance across Europe to reducing the cap below €150,000. We are supportive of a reduced cap and we welcome the content in the-----

See this speech in context