Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 February 2013
167. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the concerns about EU plans to publish individual farmers' Common Agricultural Policy details, including their addresses, on a website that could potentially be used by criminals. [7584/13]
View answerThe European Commission has proposed legislation on the publication of data on CAP beneficiaries. I am aware of the farmers’ concerns in relation to the proposals. Detailed data on payments to CAP beneficiaries was published prior to November 2010 when the European Court of Justice found that aspects of the legislation were invalid having regard to an individual’s right to privacy and protection of personal data. The new proposal aims to address the deficiencies identified in the Court’s judgement. The European Commission’s justification for the proposed measures is based on the need for greater transparency and public control over the use of European agricultural funds in order to protect the Union’s financial interests. The proposal is being considered at the Council of Agricultural Ministers and any new arrangements that may be adopted will come into effect to coincide with the proposed reformed CAP regime.
