Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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108. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any proposed cuts to CAP, likely to be made from the EU portion of the Pillar 2 payment, will be covered by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36522/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Funding of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), forms part of the broader EU budget (Multiannual Financial Framework or MFF) which is negotiated by Finance Ministers and agreed by Heads of State and Government at the European Council. The European Commission is expected to set out proposals for the next MFF in July. Commission proposals for CAP post-2027 negotiations are likely to follow shortly after, with negotiations on both the future MFF and future CAP running in parallel.

Achieving an adequate and dedicated CAP Budget, and retaining the full toolbox of support measures under Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 is a priority. It will be challenging, given the other new pressures on the EU Budget and proposals for new MFF funding structures. I am working closely with colleagues across Government, and with my counterparts in other Member States, to underline:

• the importance of food security to EU autonomy and security;
• the vital role farming and food plays in our rural economies and communities;
• and the important contribution farming and food makes to EU competitiveness, innovation, and climate and biodiversity ambitions.