Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he proposes to influence the future development of the EU with particular reference to the Common Agricultural Policy, Common Fisheries Policy and the World Trade Organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42313/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The coming year will be an important one for the Common Agricultural Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy, and for the World Trade Organisation negotiations. The European Commission is expected to bring forward a formal communication in mid 2010 on the future of the CAP. In addition, the consultative process on reform of the CFP is expected to be finalised around the same time. As regards WTO negotiations, the next WTO Ministerial meeting will take place at the end of this month. It will be a timely opportunity for countries to reiterate the importance of bringing the Doha Round to a successful conclusion before the end of 2010.

Along with my colleagues in Government, in particular the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, I will consistently outline the Irish position on these issues in the clearest possible terms at official and political level, in both formal meetings and in informal contacts. I will also work closely with other like-minded Member States to ensure that Ireland's interests are taken into account within the EU and in the wider international negotiations in order to achieve the very best possible deal for Ireland.