M. J. Nolan
Question:34 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the discussions, if any, he has had with the EU Commission in relation to the reform of CAP post-1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3167/97]
Written Answers. - Reform of CAP
The Commission has not to date formulated any proposals on this matter. However, in November 1995 the Commission prepared a paper which addressed the challenges that would face the agriculture sector in the future, in the context of enlargement of the Union. The paper was submitted to the European Council which met in Madrid in December 1995.
The European Council requested the Commission to continue its evaluation of the effects of enlargement, particularly with regard to agricultural and structural policies. No further paper has yet emerged from the Commission.
The Commission is committed to bring forward proposals for the reform of the beef sector in the longer term and a paper on options for the future of the milk sector after the year 2000 later this year.
I took a number of initiatives during the Irish Presidency to develop the debate on the future of the CAP. Trends in the beef sector and measures which might be taken to encourage consumption were discussed at the informal council meeting in Killarney in September. Options for the future of the dairy regime were discussed by the special committee on agriculture, also in Killarney in September.
My Department maintains close contact with the Commission with a view to ensuring that Irish interests are taken fully into account in the formulation of Commission proposals.