Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he has studied recent submissions from the Irish Farmers' Association and other farming organisations in the context of the implications for the agricultural sector arising from common agriculture policy discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14597/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I want to assure the deputy that throughout this CAP reform process I have continuously engaged with all relevant stakeholders. I try at all times, subject to diary and time constraints, to meet any and all interested parties to discuss issues of mutual concern and when I am not available, senior Department officials are always available to hear concerns and proposals that stakeholders may wish to bring to my attention. You will be aware that my Department implements a formal consultative process through the CAP Consultative Committee which is comprised of a full range of stakeholders from across the agriculture sector including the Irish Farmers Association. This Committee is meeting today to hear an update on the negotiations and to allow all interested parties to give their reactions.

As is the case with all submissions from stakeholders, I and my officials have carefully studied the content of the recent IFA paper. While I do not share all the views expressed by the IFA, we share common ground on many issues.