Bernard J. Durkan
Question:114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has evidence of the renationalisation of the agricultural sector throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23359/98]
Written Answers. - Common Agricultural Policy.
There have been some recent developments which could be taken as involving some movement towards renationalisation of the Common Agricultural Policy, or of having such an effect.
These include the proposals of the Commission for the creation of national envelopes as part of the Agenda 2000 proposals, the option of cofinancing of expenditure of direct payments to farmers put forward by the Commission in their recent report on the own resources, and system the labelling system in the beef sector.
The beef labelling system is already enshrined in EU law and constitutes a considerable challenge for our beef processing sector. The other two developments are still under discussion as part of the overall Agenda 2000 proposals.