Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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830. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association warning that lack of clarity around the next CAP regime and existing trade deals is undermining farmer confidence, if he will provide the timeline and key milestones for the next CAP implementation in Ireland; the way in which regional farming businesses (including those in Cork) will be engaged; the specific measures being taken to ensure food-security and investment rather than dependency on import-led production; and the way in which the Government is monitoring the impact of trade-deal structures on Irish farm incomes and investment decisions. [62196/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is actively engaged in ongoing EU-level discussions on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 2028–2034. The Commission’s proposals, published in July 2025, represent a major structural change, embedding the CAP within the broader National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP). This has led to a complex negotiation process, with multiple Council working parties examining the CAP, NRPP and Performance Framework Regulation in parallel.

We are now nearing the completion of an initial technical reading of the draft CAP regulations at working party level. Member States are submitting written feedback on the proposals, and the Commission’s response—expected in the coming months—will shape the next phase of negotiations under the Cypriot Presidency. This will provide greater clarity on the likely direction of discussions when Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026.

Engagement with the farming community remains central to Ireland’s approach to the CAP negotiations. The Department’s CAP Consultative Committee meets monthly and brings together representatives from all major farming organisations, the agri-food sector, and environmental stakeholders. The Committee provides a structured forum for consultation, information sharing and discussion on CAP developments, including implications for regional and sectoral interests. The National CAP Network also plays a key role in facilitating regional engagement, ensuring that rural businesses and communities are kept informed and involved.

Food security remains a core objective of the CAP. Ireland is assessing the Commission’s proposals carefully to ensure the reformed policy strengthens the resilience and productivity of Irish agriculture, while maintaining sustainable production and investment at farm level. Supporting viable farm incomes and ensuring the capacity to produce food across all regions of Ireland are central to this objective.

Our membership of the EU means that we are part of a growing network of EU free-trade agreements. These agreements provide opportunities with regards to expanding Irish agri-food exports around the world. However, Ireland has always insisted on a balance in these agreements which recognises the particular sensitivity of certain agri-food products for Irish and EU producers. In terms of monitoring the implementation and enforcement of these trade agreements, this is primarily carried out by the European Commission who just last week published their fifth Annual Report on Implementation and Enforcement of EU Trade Policy.