The specific objectives which I have identified for the Irish Presidency are as follows: to facilitate the application of the CAP to the new member states; to continue the process of simplification of the CAP initiated by the mid-term review decisions of June 2003; and to enhance food safety standards.
These objectives will be pursued by seeking agreement of the Council of Ministers on a range of proposals which have been put forward by the EU Commission and which are examined initially at official level meetings chaired by officers of my Department. I am planning to hold the following meetings in Ireland during the Presidency: an informal meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council; the special committee on agriculture; chief veterinary officers; and directors of paying agencies of the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund. Progress to date in advancing the Presidency work programme has been satisfactory.