Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1051. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether it is realistic to expect that a shortfall from Brexit in the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, 2020 will be made up in full by European Union member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15237/18]
View answerThere will be budgetary challenges facing the CAP post 2020 budget, arising not only from the UK's decision to exit the EU, but also from the need to address other EU policy priorities such as migration and security.
The determination of budgetary ceilings and contributions is ultimately a matter for EU Heads of State and Finance Ministers. The Taoiseach, in his address to the European Parliament in January 2018, indicated that Ireland is open to contributing more to the EU budget, but only if it is spent on policies that contribute to the advancement of the European ideal. However, not all Member States are in favour of increasing their contributions.
Furthermore, Commissioner Oettinger has indicated that he expects a cut of between 5% and 10% in CAP funding, in circumstances where some member states are seeking a cut of up to 30%.
Against that background, the forthcoming negotiations on the Multi Annual Financial Framework, and on the share to be attributed to the CAP, are likely to be difficult. I have argued at the Council of Agriculture Ministers that the maintenance of a strong CAP budget will be more important than ever in the period post 2020, against the background of Brexit and given the increased ambition for the policy in terms of climate change and other public goods. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to argue for the maintenance of the strongest possible budget for CAP in the years ahead.
