William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)

There is significant concern about the Commission's intention to release its vision for the post-2027 CAP at the same time as the EU budget plan. We cannot have this railroaded through. This approach, without consultation, is entirely unacceptable. Major decisions about the future of European agriculture must not be made behind closed doors in Brussels. Farmers must be heard. I urge the Minister to take a clear stance and, first, oppose any attempt to merge or dilute the CAP budget; second, ensure the CAP remains focused on its core goals of farm income for farmers, food security for Europeans and strong, sustainable communities, which is fierce important; and, finally, ensuring proposals under the CAP simplification package must deliver real, practical improvements at farm level and not more red tape.

I wish the Minister well in his CAP negotiations. The expectations of Irish farm families rest on his shoulders. They are trusting him to deliver. He cannot come home without a CAP budget that is ring-fenced for Irish farmers.

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