Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken to ensure that the food producing sector is not disadvantaged by any step likely to be taken in the context of Common Agricultural Policy reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40863/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken or proposes to take along with his EU colleagues to develop the agricultural sector further with consequent benefit in the current economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40866/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussions he has with his EU colleagues in preparation for the development of the food and agriculture industry after 2013 in Ireland and throughout Europe with particular reference to utilising the sector in the context of economic revival; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40867/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 247, 250 and 251 together.

I am determined to ensure that the proposed reform of the Common Agricultural Policy will deliver a strong and well funded policy in the years ahead. I have made my position very clear to the EU Commission and to my colleagues in the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers and I am pleased to report that there is good support for my position.

There is widespread recognition that the agriculture and food production sector is hugely important in the context of Europe's economic and industrial recovery. It contributes to all three priorities of the EU 2020 strategy of smart, green and inclusive growth. On foot of the efforts of Ireland and a number of other like-minded Member States, its importance has been acknowledged in the conclusions by the Heads of State and Government at the spring European Council.

A modern, productive EU agriculture and food sector will contribute to security of food supply, both within and beyond Europe. Moreover, it is a sector in which global demand is guaranteed to increase. It supports green growth, ensures appropriate land management and contributes to social inclusion in rural areas. It ensures the sustainable use of natural resources and supports climate change mitigation. It provides stable employment opportunities, requiring high skill levels and qualifications and greater levels of R&D and innovation as part of smart growth.

There has been a high level of activity and debate regarding the future CAP among Member States over the past two years with formal policy debates taking place in the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers as well as informal contacts and meetings at bilateral level, the production of position papers by stakeholder organisations and a full-scale consultation process initiated by the Commission.

I and my Department have participated actively in all of these discussions with a view to building up alliances and pressing the Irish viewpoint. In addition to representing the Irish view at formal and informal meetings of EU Agriculture Ministers, I have had bilateral meetings with the Commissioner and with colleagues from a number of other Member States. I travelled to Poland and Hungary last July to meet my Ministerial counterparts. I had discussions in Dublin last month with my German Ministerial colleague and with Commissioner Ciolos and I have arranged meetings with my French and UK colleagues for the coming months. These contacts are proving very productive in deepening our understanding of each others positions and in establishing support for the Irish position in the negotiations.

At official level too, we have engaged actively with our colleagues in other Member States, the Commission and the European Parliament, with bilateral meetings, contacts, sharing of information and analysis and discussion of policy positions. This work has proved very effective in explaining the Irish context and viewpoint and in gaining understanding and acceptance of the Irish position.

I am also continuing to consult widely on the domestic front. I had the opportunity of addressing the Joint Committee on Agriculture on the occasion of the EU Commissioner's visit and of hearing their views. Earlier in the year I established a Consultative Committee to advise me on the CAP after 2013. That Committee is composed of all of the major farming and agriculture related representative organisations involved in social partnership as well as a number of academics and officials. The Committee had its first meeting last May and went on to participate in the Stakeholder event I organised during the visit of Commissioner Ciolos. Its upcoming meeting later this month will be addressed by a senior Commission official.

The formal Commission communication on the future of the CAP will be released later this month with legislative proposals due to follow in mid 2011. I will continue to press the Irish viewpoint at all levels. While we have a long way to go before we arrive at a conclusion of these negotiations, I am determined to fight for the best possible outcome for Irish agriculture. Agriculture is our largest indigenous industry and we have much to gain from a successful outcome.