Written answers

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food

Official Engagements

8:00 pm

Photo of John Paul PhelanJohn Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussion he has had with Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn during their recent meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12600/11]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I recently visited Brussels to attend the European Seafood Expo and while there took the opportunity to meet with the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn. I regard the Commissioner as an important ally for Ireland in both the Commission and in Europe and would like to develop a strong working relationship with her into the future.

Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn's directorate is responsible for the €142 billion budget of the new Common Strategic Framework 2014-2020 (CSF) Programme, which will combine the funding of a number of current competitive research programmes into a single strategic research vehicle. The CSF is of great importance to Ireland, particularly were it to support competitive research and innovation.

From an Irish perspective I consider it vital that the expertise, previous championing and contribution to the development of research based policy formulation in Europe materialises itself into being successful in the tendering processes in new research programmes. I outlined some of the work of the Marine Institute on the EU front in recent times and the opportunities that it and other Irish research bodies can realise using the expertise and experience built up. It is vitally important in the current difficult economic climate that innovative ideas can be turned into products and services that create growth and jobs.

I also used the occasion to brief Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn on the major policy challenges we are facing in agriculture and fisheries, particularly the reform of both the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

The Commissioner has taken a keen interest in the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and was already aware of the difficult negotiations that lie ahead for Ireland. I consider the Reform of the CFP to be absolutely crucial to the future of the Irish fishing industry and I am committed to delivering a reform package that works for Irish Fishermen while ensuring that fish stocks are rebuilt and managed in a sustainable manner. The very survival of coastal communities is directly dependant on a healthy fishing industry and the new CFP must deliver long term economic activity and employment for these communities.

We discussed at length the key areas of concern to Ireland in this reform and I asked the Commissioner to use her influence where possible to assist me in defending Ireland's interests.

I raised my deep concerns and serious reservations with the Commissioner about the implications of an EU/ Mercosur agreement on Irish agriculture and in particular the Irish beef sector. I have already provided detailed information to the House today regarding my concerns relative to these negotiations. In brief, my meeting with Commissioner Geoghegan Quinn is one in a series of meetings, which I, and my officials have had to highlight Ireland's concerns in about these negotiations. I have already raised this matter at both the March and April meetings of the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers. I have also raised this issue in private meetings with both Commissioner Ciolos and the French Minister for Agriculture Bruno Le Maire.

In my discussions with Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn, in addition to emphasising the very significant economic impact which such an agreement would have on employment within the agri food sector and on Ireland's economic recovery, I also highlighted the implications for sustainable production of beef within the EU. In particular, I stated that it makes no sense at all for Ireland to have to reduce its cattle herd to make way for imports from regions with a less efficient carbon foot print.

At the meeting with the Commissioner, we also discussed research and development in the food area. I emphasised the importance of the agri-food sector for the economic well being of the country and the fact that research and development will be critical in driving the industry. Food is and will always remain the single most important output from land use in Ireland. However, there is a realisation and acceptance throughout the industry, encapsulated in our own 2020 strategy document "Food Harvest 2020" that in order to achieve sustainable growth we must "think green and act smart".

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