Vol. 576 No. 2
105 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on recent comments by EU Commissioner, David Byrne, (details supplied) on the shifts in EU funding from agriculture towards broader rural development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29218/03]
I have noted the comments made by Commissioner Byrne. They contribute to the ongoing debate on the future of EU rural development policy. It must be stressed, however, that the debate is still at an early stage and that many important issues remain to be determined. These include the shape and direction of the new EU rural development policy, its relationship with the EU cohesion policy and the funding that will be available to it.
At a recent EU conference, agriculture and broader rural development were recognised as complimentary. It was, for example, pointed out that agriculture will continue to play an essential role in rural areas. I endorse that approach and it will be my guiding principle as discussions continue.
