Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that sufficient measures are in place and any necessary steps are taken through the medium of the common agricultural policy to ensure the viability and the future development of the food producing sector throughout Ireland and European Union and furthermore any subsequent discussions in the context of the World Trade Organisations are not allowed to undermine or weaken the CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40645/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I believe there is a good commitment within the EU to a strong agri-food sector and an increased recognition of the importance of the sector’s contribution to the achievement of economic, social and environmental objectives. In developing the EU2020 strategy for recovery and growth in Europe, Heads of State and Government in the European Council recognised this contribution concluding that “a sustainable, productive and competitive agricultural sector will make an important contribution to the new strategy, considering the growth and employment potential of rural areas while ensuring fair competition”.

The three key principles underpinning the EU Commission’s proposals for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy are to preserve food production potential in the EU, to ensure sustainable management of natural resources and to maintain viable rural areas. In those circumstances, I am satisfied that there is good support to ensure the viability and future development of the food industry throughout Europe.

My own view is that food security in the European Union is the essence of what the new Common Agricultural Policy is about. Growing populations and increasing demand for protein-based foods, which is what we predominantly produce in Ireland through the dairy and meat industries, present a significant opportunity not only to continue, as the EU has been, to promote a sustainable way of producing food from an environmental and climate point of view but also to produce greater volumes of food. I will continue to make the case for sustainable intensification of food production, which is what agriculture should be all about.

As to the WTO Doha Development Round, talks are stalled at present and the prospects for conclusion of an agreement are uncertain at this point in time. Nevertheless, I will continue to maintain pressure to secure an acceptable outcome from these negotiations that does not undermine the development of European and Irish agriculture.