Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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1292.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Charter of Farmers Rights is still fit for purpose and relevant; his views on whether it should be updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35531/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Farmers' Charter of Rights has a key role to play in the determining of key targets and timelines in respect of applications, payment, inspections and appeals under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

In July, my Department reached agreement with representatives of the main farming organisations on a new Farmers' Charter of Rights. This Charter represents a full update of all targets and timelines, taking into account the changes which have been brought about by the new CAP.

All of the main farming organisations - the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), Macra na Feirme, Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA), Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) and the Irish Co-operative Society (ICOS) - participated in negotiations in relation to this new Farmers' Charter of Rights.

I am keenly aware of the importance of the Farmers’ Charter and the targets set down within it. I recognise the importance of farm payments and I believe the ambitious targets set out in the new Charter are evidence of my Department’s commitment to farmers.

I have appointed Dr Seán Brady as the independent chairperson of the Charter Monitoring Committee. This Committee, which will be comprised of representatives of the farm organisations and staff of the Department, will monitor the agreed targets and standards.