Ireland’s draft Rural Development Programme (RDP), 2014-2020 was submitted to the European Commission on 3rd July, 2014. The draft RDP has been available on my Department’s website since that time. The formal observations of the EU Commission were received on 20th October, and a reply issued from my Department on 11th November. In relation to the observations received from the EU Commission, the release of this document would be a matter for the Commission. I understand, however, that the document is currently in the public domain. There have been intensive discussions between officials in my Department and the Commission in order to agree a RDP for formal adoption. These intensive negotiations are ongoing, and the process has involved the exchange of further information and clarifications on a very wide range of topics in recent weeks. I have committed to attend the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine at an early date to discuss the RDP and this will provide an opportunity to discuss relevant details of the RDP and the approval process.
