Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will be discussing Ireland's position on the future common agricultural policy at the next EU Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44244/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have not yet received a final agenda for this month’s meeting of the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers but I would expect that the future of the Common Agricultural Policy will feature as the main item on the agenda.

As you know there are two separate and parallel negotiating processes in play on this dossier. Certain elements of CAP reform, largely related to funding, are being dealt with as part of the negotiations on the multiannual financial framework for the EU budget. These elements will be decided by Heads of State and Government and a special meeting of the European Council has been convened for 22/23 November for this purpose.

In parallel, the Agriculture Council is now scheduled to meet on 28/29 November and the intention of the Cyprus Presidency is to seek what is known as a “partial general approach” (essentially the position of the Council) on the CAP reform regulations.

for my part, as we enter a crucial stage of the negotiations, my priority remains to achieve the best possible outcome for Ireland, focusing on four key areas. These are:

- delivering a well-resourced CAP,

- retaining Ireland’s share of CAP funds,

- maximising payment model flexibility for Member States, and

- as much simplification as possible for the farmer and the administration, subject to proper financial and operational controls.