Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1756. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on negotiations regarding the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027; if he has had discussions on the same with his Ministerial counterparts and the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20687/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The exact timing of the Commission's proposals for post-2027 CAP remains to be confirmed. However, the publication of detailed CAP post-2027 proposals is likely to follow the proposals for the next EU Budget (MFF – Multiannual Financial Framework) which are due for publication by the Commission in mid-2025.

As set out in the Programme for Government, the Government will continue to work with EU institutions and Member States to advance the case for adequate funding for the CAP so that it meets both new challenges and opportunities. A well-funded CAP is essential to supporting farm incomes and food security, while contributing meaningfully to wider EU objectives, including on climate, biodiversity and innovation. In anticipation of the CAP post-2027 proposals, my Department has commenced a range of preparatory work to ensure Ireland is well positioned to engage effectively in upcoming negotiations, including engaging with the Commissioner on the ‘Vision for Agriculture and Food’.

For my part as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I regularly meet with my counterparts in the Council of the European Union to discuss policy developments in the Union and to help shape a response. The AGRI-FISH Council, which is attended by Ministers from every Member State and by the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, meets on a monthly basis.

I have and will continue to engage with the European Commissioner and my fellow EU Ministers on the issues affecting the agri-food sector, including the CAP post-2027, at these Council meetings as well as in bilateral discussions.

Ireland is working 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.