Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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888. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the decision to defer convergence for 2021-2022 is a decision of Government rather than of the European Union; the objective of this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3778/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The transitional regulation covering the 2021 and 2022 scheme years allow for Member States to implement internal convergence of payment entitlements at their own discretion. In 2019, Ireland chose to rest the programme of internal convergence for the transitional period (2021-22).

This rest period provided some time for consultation with farmers and their representative bodies on this important issue, along with some much needed stability in direct payments through the transitional and Brexit period. It is clear that the new CAP regulations will continue with the convergence process, and I will be carefully monitoring progress with the aim of obtaining the best outcome for Irish farmers.