Vol. 499 No. 3
209 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the areas of responsibility, if any, his Department has with regard to the Government's policy on children; the areas of responsibility, if any, his Department has with regard to the Government's policy on the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2739/99]
A key priority of Government policy on agriculture is the maintenance of the maximum number of farm families. This objective is central to my approach in the current negotiations on the reform of the CAP under Agenda 2000. In addition a White Paper on rural development is currently under preparation in my Department. This will address the broad issues of the viability of rural communities including the protection of the role of the family farm.
