Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in the context of a check of the CAP with a view to maximising food production potential within the EU thereby reducing dependancy on imports; if he has put forward proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19580/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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At yesterday's Agriculture Council we had a general debate on the agricultural market situation and the evolution of agricultural and food prices. In the course of the debate, I made the point that Europe has to consider the role of its own agri-food sector, so that it can play its part in ensuring a high standard of quality food for future generations. I said it was more important than ever that we ensure that we retain a strong agricultural production base in Europe. We needed to recognise this in considering issues such as WTO and the shape of our future Common Agricultural Policy. My comments were echoed by a number of other Ministers.

Yesterday's debate in the Council illustrated the increased focus of EU Ministers on the issue of food self-sufficiency. I believe that this increased focus will gather momentum in the forthcoming discussions on the CAP Health check and in the debates on the future of the CAP post 2013. I will participate actively in these discussions. I will be arguing for the need to build a better and stronger CAP, adapted to contemporary needs and more effective in supporting our farmers and food industries. I have already spoken on this matter to my French counterpart, Michel Barnier at our meeting in Dublin a week ago. We both agreed on the necessity for the CAP to continue to support sustainable agriculture, in line with the European model of agriculture, thereby ensuring stable food supplies to European consumers.