Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 3

Written Answers - Common Agricultural Policy.

Billy Timmins

Question:

16 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions he has had since 1 January 2003 with the EU Agriculture Commissioner with respect to the Fischler proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9075/03]

Billy Timmins

Question:

37 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation with regard to the Fischler proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9074/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 37 together.

Commissioner Fischler published the Commission's detailed proposals for the reform of the common agricultural policy on 22 January 2003. At the meeting of the Council of Ministers on 27 January, Ministers gave their initial reaction to the proposals. In that discussion I clearly set out the Irish position. Elements of the proposals have been discussed at meetings of the Council in February and March and a further discussion is planned for the April meeting. Since the proposals were published, they have been undergoing detailed examination at official level in various committees in Brussels on which all member states and the Commission are represented.

The Greek Presidency has indicated its intention to reach agreement on the Commission's proposals in June. Given the complexity and importance of the proposals, this objective will be difficult to achieve. It would not be appropriate for me to speculate on the final outcome while the negotiations are in progress.

My discussions with Commissioner Fischler have taken place in the context of debate on the Commission's proposals in the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers which the Commissioner attends. I also had a bilateral discussion with Commissioner Fischler on 11 November 2002, and met the Commissioner again at a conference in London organised by Agra Europe last Monday.

Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 10.