Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding her recent discussions at EU level relating to the CAP health check; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7052/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The CAP Health Check was discussed most recently at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 18 February. There was a wide-ranging discussion with all member States outlining their priorities.

The main elements of the Communication on the Health Check relate to simplification of the single payment scheme, the expiry of milk quotas in 2015 and how to address the emerging challenges of climate change, bio-energy, water management and bio-diversity.

The Slovenian Presidency has indicated that it will present draft conclusions at the next meeting of Agriculture Ministers scheduled for 17 March with the aim of achieving the agreement of the Council on the main points of the Communication.

Legislative proposals are due to be presented by the Commission in May with a view to having a final agreement by the end of 2008.

Finally my Department will continue to consult with the two Consultative Committees that I established to advise on all aspects of the Health Check and the long term future of Milk Quotas.