Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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485. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Ireland's CAP strategic plan is being drafted and designed for the period after 2020 based on the European Commission's draft budget proposals as published under the draft multi-annual financial framework 2021 to 2027; and the consultation he is planning with farming organisations regarding same. [2384/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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At the outset, I would point out that in discussing the funding for the CAP post-2020, we should bear in mind that these discussions are taking place as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2020 proposals, which is a matter for Heads of State and Government. The retention of a sufficient budget for the CAP is an essential requirement for Ireland.

I have been actively engaging with my European counterparts on this issue. Along with counterparts from France, Spain, Finland, Portugal and Greece, we have called for the restoration of the CAP budget for the 2021 – 2027 period to current levels. Up to 20 Member States have joined this alliance and we will continue to work together in an effort to build consensus on this point. I recognise that to achieve the best outcome, we need to seek common ground with like minded Member States. Ireland will continue to seek to build alliances as the negotiations for the next CAP and its budgetary allocation progress and I will continue to fight for a strong CAP budget.

As regards the CAP legislative proposals themselves, the new regulations for the CAP 2021-27 were launched on Friday 1 June 2018 by Commissioner Hogan. The existing four CAP Regulations (1305/2013, 1306/2013, 1307/2013 and 1308/2013) are being replaced by three new Regulations. The Direct Payments Regulation (1307/2013) and the Rural Development Regulation (1305/2013 are being consolidated in one Regulation which establishes rules on the CAP strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States. The European Commission's objective is to have the proposals adopted by the co-legislators in Spring 2019, prior to the European Parliament Elections in May.

The proposals, as drafted, involve significant changes, including in relation to governance, the distribution of direct payments among farmers and the increasing environmental conditionality attaching to such payments. There will be some additional discretion for Member States in configuring the measures available, within parameters laid down in Council Regulations. Risk management measures, and measures to support young farmers and new entrants will be mandatory, and there will be a significant emphasis on education and technology adoption. At least 5% of rural development funds will be ring fenced for the LEADER Programme.

The current proposals require Member States to submit their draft CAP Strategic Plan to the Commission for approval before the deadline of 1 January 2020. My Department is working towards this deadline. The process of developing the draft CSP will be a complex process, involving a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis, a needs assessment, scheme design, ex ante evaluation including a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment. A central element of this process will be on-going and substantive stakeholder and public consultation which will include the farm organisations.

The new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) will be a key support in enhancing the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, achieving more sustainable management of natural resources and ensuring a more balanced development of rural areas.