Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

In January last year, when the Minister was in opposition, he argued that there was no reasonable basis to stop the convergence process during the transition period. However, once in office, he continued with the reasoning of convergence to provide stability and certainty for farmers. What information did the Department provide which led to this change of position? Like any of us, the Minister is entitled to change his position based on different information, but he is obliged to share that rationale for the change of heart with us and with farmers. What is the reasoning of the Department driving Ireland's position at the negotiations? What exactly is the Minister pushing for, whether 85% or 75%? He is pushing for greater flexibility for member states in implementing aspects of the CAP but we do now know what he and his officials will do with that flexibility. Will he outline that and address why convergence was halted?

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