Common Agricultural Policy Review

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 November 2012

Thursday, 29 November 2012

Questions (216)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

216. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will explain his position in relation to a fully funded Common Agricultural Policy for Pillar 1 and Pillar 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53468/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Government's strong position is that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) makes an important contribution to economic growth and job creation. This is not only the case in Ireland, where the CAP underpins our national agri-food development strategy, but also at European level, where the agriculture sector can contribute significantly to economic recovery. My Government colleagues and I are fully committed to securing a properly funded CAP budget in the context of the ongoing negotiations on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the 2014-20 period. We are also committed to defending Ireland's share of it by ensuring our levels of direct payments and rural development funding are protected to the maximum extent possible. We are disappointed that it was not possible to reach a deal on the MFF at last week’s European Council meeting, but we will continue to strongly support the CAP budget lines in the renewed negotiations. As regards the overall level of CAP funding, the Commission’s original proposal to maintain spending at 2013 levels in nominal terms was regarded by Ireland as a reasonable starting point in the negotiations. At last week's European Council meeting, the Taoiseach again strongly defended CAP funding, as did some other Heads of Government. Ireland will continue to work with others to get the best possible deal for the CAP in the MFF. In relation to the distribution of CAP funds, Ireland is broadly supportive of the Commission's proposals on Pillar 1. On the distribution of Pillar 2 funds, we still await a definitive proposal from the Commission but we will again be seeking to ensure that Ireland receives its fair share, recognising our effectiveness in using these funds in the past.