Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the main agenda items for the next European Union Agriculture and Fisheries Council that are of concern to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6876/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The next meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on 17 March. We do not, as yet, have an agenda for this meeting but items of interest to Ireland likely to feature include the Health Check of the CAP and the proposed increase in Milk Quotas for 2008.

On the Health Check I understand that the Slovenian Presidency will present conclusions to the discussions to date to be agreed either as Council or Presidency Conclusions. On 2008 Milk Quotas, the Commission has proposed a 2% increase in quotas for all Member States in the light of its analysis of market conditions.

I, and my officials have taken an active role in the discussions to date on both subjects and will do so again at the March Council. On the Health Check, I am particularly concerned to ensure that the opportunity is taken to introduce further simplification of the SPS and cross compliance while avoiding any fundamental reforms. In relation to milk quotas I favour a 3% increase, which I believe is warranted by market conditions, however there are a range of views in the Council, including some countries that are opposed to any increase.

I hope that we can significantly advance both these issues at the Council meeting in March.