Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
923. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is intended to make final proposals in relation to Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy reform programme 2014-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46571/13]
View answerIn July of this year I initiated a process of consultation with all relevant stakeholders and interested parties to ascertain their views on the most appropriate application of the Direct Payments Regulation in Ireland. A total of 44 questions were put to potential respondents across a range of issues. 46 submissions were received by the deadline of Friday, 20 September. I and my officials are currently giving careful consideration to all of the responses, which of course are quite varied and reflect the different positions and circumstances of the various representative groups and individuals who submitted them. Modelling of the various scenarios that have arisen is also ongoing in the Department.
I hope to be in a position to make decisions across the range of alternatives over the next few weeks. It is imperative in any event that the shape of the new direct payments regime is clear by the end of 2013, as we have a very challenging schedule to meet if we are to ensure efficient processing of applications for payment in 2015.
As regards the Pillar 2, work on the development of the next rural development programme is already well under way. An initial consultation process was launched in 2012, and written submissions were received from over 80 stakeholders. These submissions have been analysed by the Department and have fed into the development of SWOT and needs analyses. A second consultation was held in July 2013, where stakeholders attended a full day workshop. Based on the outcome of these processes, the drafting of a new programme is being advanced by the Department, and it is intended that further stakeholder consultation will form part of this. Again, I expect to make decisions by the end of this year, and to submit a draft programme to the Commission in early 2014.
