Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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531. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on progress being made in relation to agreement on the Multi-Annual Financial Framework to allow for a deal to be made on the Common Agricultural Policy; if a deal on CAP could be finalised before the end of Ireland's EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2285/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Following good preparatory work by Cyprus and Denmark, President Van Rompuy’s proposals on the MFF last November generally narrowed the gap between Member States. He is now taking work forward and is consulting informally before bringing the matter back to the European Council, which I understand is planned for the meeting of 7 and 8 February. As Presidency, we will give whatever assistance we can to President Van Rompuy, who retains responsibility for, and control of, the process.

As Presidency and nationally, Ireland wants an EU with sufficient funds to carry out its work, and a budget that can support growth and jobs. Agriculture has a particularly important role to play in the maintenance and creation of growth and jobs, so it is vital that a fully funded CAP continues to support the development of the sector. Indeed, the protection of the budget allocation for CAP is Ireland’s number one financial priority, given its importance to our national agri-food development strategy and the importance of the sector to our economic recovery. The Government is therefore determined to protect the CAP to the maximum extent possible, and to defend Ireland’s share of it.

As to whether a deal on CAP reform can be finalised before the end of the Irish Presidency, I believe it can be. However, three things must happen:

- there must be agreement on the MFF early in 2013,

- there must be rapid progress on outstanding technical and political issues,

- all three institutions - the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission - need to engage actively in the negotiating process.

The latter point is particularly important given the tight timescales we are facing, and the need to agree Council and Parliament positions before the trilogue process begins.

I am optimistic about the prospects for agreement, but I am also keenly aware that we need real determination from all of the protagonists across all three institutions to commit to the process and to do what is necessary if we are to successfully conclude the reform of the CAP. I look forward to seeing that determination, and I will not be found wanting in providing the necessary leadership.