Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are no doubt pressures on the budget. Myself, Deputy Cahill and a delegation from our party were in Brussels this week meeting with the various stakeholders in regard to agricultural issues and the CAP budget. There are undoubtedly pressures but let us not detract from or avoid the fact that the scenario, as of today, is a very dire one for Irish agriculture, given that we are going to see the overall CAP envelope for Ireland reduced by 10.5% from what it was the last time around in terms of the funding that will be coming into this country. That is going to impact to the tune of almost 4% in Pillar 1 and 21% in Pillar 2. That is a dire and very concerning vista for farm families across the country, considering how dependent they are on CAP payment income. As I indicated, it comprises 75% of farm incomes overall. If one takes the sheep sector and the beef sector, 100% of their net income is from CAP payments. This move has to be addressed and rebuffed. I understand that it is not easy but there is a significant onus on the Minister, working with Commissioner Hogan, to try to redress the imbalance and the sliding importance being allocated to CAP under the current proposals.

Despite the fact the overall budget has increased by €200 billion, we are seeing CAP being reduced and diminished in terms of its priority status. That, at a political level, has to be a priority and an absolute objective of the Minister, working with the Commissioner, to try to ensure the final deal that is delivered for farmers does not reflect the very concerning one that is on the table at the moment.

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