Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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755. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the protocols or criteria required for him to meet with stakeholder groups within the agricultural sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14682/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I have always operated an open-door policy when it comes to meeting with bodies and groups in the agriculture sector. All requests to meet stakeholders are reviewed on their individual merits.

For representative organisations, my office normally likes to see that the group is on a solid footing and has a track record of longevity with records of its past AGMs, an organisation charter and record of is membership.

In meeting these criteria it shows that the group is stable and not splitting the voice of the sector which they hope to represent.

Engagement with the various stakeholders is an important facet of my Ministry. I also put a strong importance on direct engagement with farmers and communities.

I have engaged directly with farmers around the country as part of by CSP engagement meetings last year and this year I am visiting the various counties as part of my Working for Rural Ireland tour.