David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 351: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department is succeeding in protecting the interests of the Irish agri-food sector with regard to the CAP reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34935/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

While the Common Agricultural Policy is subject to ongoing reform, the last substantive reform took place under the mid-term review, which was agreed by the Council of Agriculture Ministers in June 2003. The reform represented a favourable outcome for Ireland. The main policy proposals under consideration at present are the Commission's proposals for the reform of the sugar sector.

In the wider context, the December European Council will consider proposals on the financial perspective for the period 2007-13 and the WTO ministerial conference in Hong Kong is expected to advance the negotiations on the next WTO agreement, both of which represent a challenge to the future of the CAP. I am participating directly in or contributing to the negotiations in each case with a view to protecting the interests of the Irish agrifood sector and to securing the best possible outcome from our point of view.