Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide an up to date position on discussions on the common agriculture policy. [12570/11]

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.

Aside from seeking a well-resourced CAP, my main priorities in the upcoming negotiations on the CAP are:

To retain Ireland's current share of funding both for direct payments and for rural development in any redistribution of CAP funds between Member States;

To obtain maximum flexibility in the payment model or method for distribution of single payment funds to farmers within Member States; and

To retain investment and afforestation measures in the list of options for Member States in the Rural Development regulation.

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 ensure a successful conclusion for Ireland in these negotiations.