Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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81. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on any potential changes to the Common Agricultural Policy; the impact this would have on payment rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38163/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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While there were suggestions of potential changes to the Common Agricultural Policy included in the report of the 'Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture', it must be noted that the Strategic Dialogue is only one input to the development of the future CAP Proposals, and the proposals for CAP post 2027 are not due to be published by the European Commission until mid-2025.

The funding for the CAP is provided for in the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The European Commission are due to set forth proposals for the next MFF in mid-2025. Negotiations on the MFF proposals will subsequently commence and will likely run in parallel to the CAP post 2027 negotiations.

The agri-food sector is of critical importance to the Irish economy, and its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development of rural areas in particular. Ireland is committed to working with the EU institutions and Member States to ensure robust funding for the Common Agriculture Policy so that it meets both new challenges and opportunities.

Ireland continues to engage with the EU institutions on key areas of agricultural policy and debate, including the recently published ‘Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture’. The development of this report is one of a number of important inputs to the process of developing the next CAP.

Ireland needs to work closely with its EU colleagues to build a consensus around maintaining a strong CAP. I would like to reassure the Deputy that I will continue to do this, and to fight for a well-funded CAP which can deliver upon the multiple objectives of the sector.