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Common Agricultural Policy.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004

Wednesday, 13 October 2004

Questions (24)

Liz McManus

Question:

25 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding modulation funding; if modulation funding will be returned to the sectors from which it was collected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24495/04]

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Written answers

Under the mid-term review of the CAP, modulated funds will become available for use in 2006. Potential use in that year is restricted to existing measures in the CAP rural development plan — agri-environment, early retirement, compensatory allowances and forestry — and to the new measures introduced as part of the CAP mid-term review — food quality, animal welfare, farm advisory services and meeting standards. Each of these measures has eligibility conditions.

The Department is continuing its examination of the potential use of modulated funds. As part of that examination, widespread public consultation has taken place and discussions are continuing with relevant stakeholders. I am aware of the suggestion that modulated funding should be returned to the sectors from which it was collected. While this is an understandable consideration, the Department has emphasised to interested parties that proposals have to be assessed in the light of the eligible measures and their conditions.

Following the consultation process, I will decide on the use of modulated funds in the coming months. That decision will require EU approval, which I expect to seek in the first half of 2005.

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