Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the future funding of CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23727/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The most recent EU Agriculture Council of Ministers where CAP Post 2020 was discussed was held on 19 March 2018. The main item on the Council agenda was the Presidency's draft council conclusions on CAP post 2020. The aim of the draft Council conclusions is to provide guidance to the European Commission on the drafting of legislative proposals, which are expected to be published on 6th June 2018.

In the event, it was not possible to achieve the required unanimous agreement for Council conclusions, however Presidency conclusions were issued covering a wide range of issues that arise in CAP reform.

The determination of budgetary ceilings, including those of the Common Agricultural Policy, is a matter for Finance Ministers. Nonetheless Minister of State Doyle who represented Ireland at the most recent Council of Agriculture Ministers indicated that the EU will need as strong a budget as possible to deliver on the many objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy. Ireland has been very consistent on this issue in recent months especially as discussions around potential increases in GNI contributions have been floated. The Taoiseach, in his address to the European Parliament in January 2018, has already indicated that Ireland is open to contributing more to the EU budget, but only if it is spent on policies that contribute to the advancement of the European ideal. I am also engaged in a round of discussions on the matter with counterparts in other member states.

The next stage in the CAP post 2020 process will be the publication of the legislative proposals. I expect this to happen in early June. In that context, I look forward to engaging constructively with the Presidency, my European counterparts and the European Commission, to ensure that the next CAP continues to provide necessary support to the Irish and European agriculture sector. I would like to reassure the deputy that I will continue to fight for a strong CAP budget in the upcoming negotiations.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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80. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he put forward at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the need to increase funding for CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23728/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposals for 2021-2027 were published by Budget Commissioner Gunther Oettinger on 2 May 2018. The negotiation of the framework is a matter for Finance Ministers, and the proposals will ultimately require the approval of the European Council and the European Parliament.

 In so far as the funding for the Common Agricultural Policy is concerned, the proposal indicates a cut of around 5% for the next MFF period of 2021 - 2027.

I believe that European agriculture policies have delivered for Irish farmers and consumers and it is important that support continues to be provided to these programmes.  Over the next few years farm families will be required to play a vital role in the protection and enhancement of the environment and the production of food to the highest standards in the world. These high standards, and the family farm model, are part of the fabric of European values.  EU citizens have shown that they support this model. 

We need farmers to take active steps to mitigate climate change, protect water quality and biodiversity, and improve their competitiveness. A strong CAP is a prerequisite if these objectives, which are in the best interests of all citizens, are to be achieved. 

Member States are facing into a difficult negotiation, however, and a number have already indicated that they are not willing to provide additional funding for the MFF. From Ireland's perspective, the Taoiseach has already indicated that we are prepared to contribute additional funding, but only if critical policies are supported.

It should be noted that the proposal published by the European Commission is the initial MFF proposal. The final outcome will be determined by negotiations at EU level over the coming year. Achieving Ireland’s priorities in these negotiations will be a key issue for the Government.

In that context, I have discussed with my counterparts at the EU Agriculture Council the importance of a strong CAP Post 2020 budget.  I will continue to work with my colleagues across Europe on these matters as do my officials.  

The next stage in the CAP post 2020 process will be the publication of the legislative proposals, which are due in early June. In that context, I look forward to engaging constructively with the Presidency, my European counterparts and the European Commission, to ensure that the next CAP continues to provide necessary support to the Irish and European agriculture sector. I would like to reassure the deputy that I will continue to seek a strong budget for CAP in the upcoming negotiations.