Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the agreement reached at the March EU Agricultural Council on the broad approach to common agricultural policy reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12581/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A Commission communication setting out broad policy options for the future CAP "The CAP towards 2020" was presented on 18 November 2010. Following discussion on this communication at the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers, a majority of Member States lent their support at the March Council to a series of conclusions drafted by the Hungarian Presidency.

The Commission communication was the first formal step in the negotiating process for the CAP after 2013. The formal legislative proposals are due to be tabled by the Commission later this year. In that respect, the Presidency conclusions provide a strong signal to the Commission of the views of Member States in this process. I believe the Presidency's text was an inclusive presentation of Member States' positions and provides good guidance for the legislative work of the Commission.

It is very early days in these negotiations. We still have to see the detailed legislative proposals and there will be difficult negotiations ahead firstly to secure adequate funding from the overall multiannual financial framework and then to secure the CAP policies that are best suited to Irish needs. I will spare no effort to secure a successful outcome of these negotiations for Ireland.