Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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2212. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of his most recent discussions with other EU agriculture ministers, and at the EU Agriculture Council, in relation to the need to ringfence funding for the CAP post 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43242/25]

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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2216. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the recent engagements he and his Department have had with the EU regarding possible changes to CAP payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43296/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2212 and 2216 together.

The Commission's proposals for the next CAP and the next EU Budget (MFF) post-2027, published on 16 July, are the first step in a long process of negotiation. The next MFF will ultimately be agreed by EU Heads of State and Government at the European Council.

My Department will analyse the Commission’s proposals in detail to fully understand the implications for both the structure of CAP supports and the CAP budget. My priority will be to ensure that the framework and budget finally agreed reflects Ireland’s concerns and provides certainty and stability for farmers, fishers and rural communities.

My approach to the negotiations will follow my clear priorities for the next CAP. I will continue to advocate for a robust CAP with adequate EU funding, which retains the full toolbox of measures. The CAP is essential for European food security; it underpins the competitiveness and the economic and social sustainability of Europe’s farming and food sectors; and contributes to the EU’s climate and environmental ambition.

The most recent meeting of the AgriFish Council of Ministers which I attended in Brussels on 14 July came just before the publication of these proposals. In the time ahead, I will play an active role in the discussion of these proposals at AgriFish Council and in engagements with Commissioner Hansen and with the European Parliament, in order to ensure that Irish priorities are reflected in the final outcome.