Written answers

Wednesday, 30 May 2018

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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59. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the potential impacts of some of the proposals regarding the budget of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2020 contained in the Multiannual Financial Framework; the reason for those views; the steps he is taking to mitigate concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23215/18]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael 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 proposal indicates a 5% cut in the CAP budget for the next MFF period of 2021 - 2027.

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 been meeting with EU counterparts since January, most recently with the German and French Ministers, with a view to building consensus amongst farm ministers around the need for a strong CAP budget. Additional meetings are scheduled to take place with my counterparts from, Romania, Denmark and Belgium shortly, and I will be meeting Ministers from like minded Member States in Madrid tomorrow to discuss the protection of the CAP budget post 2020.

In addition to these formal bilateral meetings, I regularly meet my EU Ministerial colleagues at the monthly Agri-Fish Council meetings, and will have a further opportunity to discuss the future of the CAP at the forthcoming informal Council meeting in Sofia on 5 June with a further Council scheduled for Luxembourg on 18 June. I also keep in regular contact with Commissioner Hogan and his officials and met with him recently in Dublin on 26 April.

My Department officials are also having regular and constructive engagement with their EU counterparts.

Irish and European farm families 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 and EU citizens support these policies. We need farmers to take active steps to mitigate climate change, protect water quality and biodiversity, and improve their competitiveness. A strong CAP is needed to support these objectives, which benefit all of us.

The next stage in the CAP post 2020 process will be the publication of the legislative proposals, which are due on 6th June 2018. A number of elements relevant to the CAP, including in relation to the capping and targeting of direct payments and the inclusion of risk management tools in National Plans, have already been signalled in the MFF proposals. I have already indicated that I am prepared to consider these elements, subject to an assessment of the more detailed proposals when they emerge.

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 robust CAP budget to provide necessary support for farming and rural communities.

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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60. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions and negotiations he has held with his European counterparts to ensure no cut to the CAP budget in view of the recently announced proposal to cut the budget by 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23217/18]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael 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 proposal indicates a 5% cut in the CAP budget for the next MFF period of 2021 - 2027.

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 been meeting with EU counterparts since January, most recently with the German and French Ministers, with a view to building consensus amongst farm ministers around the need for a strong CAP budget. Additional meetings are scheduled with counterparts from Romania, Denmark and Belgium shortly, and I will be meeting Ministers from like minded Member States in Madrid tomorrow to discuss the protection of the CAP budget post 2020.

In addition to these formal bilateral meetings, I regularly meet my EU Ministerial colleagues at the monthly Agri-Fish Council meetings, and will have a further opportunity to discuss the future of the CAP at the forthcoming informal Council meeting in Sofia on 5 June with a further Council scheduled for Luxembourg on 18 June. I also keep in regular contact with Commissioner Hogan and his officials and met with him recently in Dublin on 26 April.

My Department officials are also having regular and constructive engagement with their EU counterparts.

The next stage in the CAP post 2020 process will be the publication of the legislative proposals, which are due on 6thJune 2018. 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 CAP budget in the upcoming negotiations.

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