Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, but I am answering the questions. Some issues have been put forward that are not correct. I want to be very clear about the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, and I will answer Deputy Marian Harkin's question in this context. The CAP budget for Ireland is protected. Damaging cuts were originally proposed during the negotiations and they have been reversed. The starting point back in 2018 was a 15% cut in rural development expenditure and a 4% cut in direct payments but in terms of the new proposal, Ireland's expected allocation for CAP is approximately €10.7 billion in current prices for the next multi-annual financial framework for the next seven years. That is actually a small increase in current prices on what was there previously. This narrative that the CAP in Ireland has been cut is not a correct interpretation of what has been agreed. I accept that it is complex, and that these documents are difficult for everybody.

The other point is that the negotiating positions were changing on a regular basis, even over the weekend, and it is difficult at times to drill down into the figures. These figures include an allocation which is stated at €300 million but in current prices is €337 million in recognition of the particular structural challenges facing the sector. All of this took place against the backdrop of Brexit, Britain not at the table and a significant net contributor gone. We have consistently opposed cuts to the CAP given the environmental and climate demands being made of farmers.

On the climate issues that Deputy Harkin spoke about, Irish farmers are already doing a huge amount in respect of the environment. Ireland is one of the member states with one of the highest levels of environmental spending under the Common Agricultural Policy in Pillar 2, for example. New environmental schemes will be open to farmers under the Common Agricultural Policy and these will support farmers who are undertaking positive environmental actions.

On the co-financing rate, very helpfully, the basic co-funding rate, as Deputy Harkin said, has changed as part of the negotiations; it is now at 43%. There are different requirements for co-financing depending on the area the CAP intervention is being spent.

The make-up of the new CAP strategic plan will have a critical effect on the level of national funding required. That is something that has been carefully worked through as we draw up our national plan in consultation with everybody but Members should be assured that rural Ireland is a big beneficiary of this agreement. The issues Deputy Harkin raised relating to co-funding will certainly find support within the Government, within the budgetary constraints.

On the just transition, Deputy Harkin is correct that different figures have been bandied about. The exact position is that the original just transition fund was €7.5 billion. It is now €17 billion, and Ireland will be a beneficiary of that. This is a brand new programme and it is significantly enhanced. It is important to make that clear.

With regard to the rule of law, a very important issue raised by Deputy Harkin and a very important one to us, Ireland firmly supports the rule of law. It is one of the values of the European Union laid out in the treaties. There are also the Article 7 proceedings where the European Council can determine if there is a clear risk or existence of a breach of the rule of law by a member state and may suspend certain treaty rights. It is very important that all member states live up to their legal commitments and their human rights and democratic commitments. Ireland supports what is in the MFF agreement and the Council Conclusions that the Commission can propose measures in cases of breaches affecting the budget for adoption by the Council by qualified majority. It is possible that the Commission will be able to take action in appropriate cases where issues arise surrounding the rule of law and any decisions taken will be by the Council by qualified majority. That is strong. There were proposals for stronger measures but, like everything else in this negotiation, there is give and take to try to make sure that we come to an agreement that can work for everybody. In terms of the rule of law, I believe those provisions can work.

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