Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 November 2019

Thursday, 28 November 2019

Questions (196)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

196. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position taken by Ireland regarding the Finnish Presidency proposal that countries spend at least 30% of CAP funds post 2020 on climate and environment measures; and if he is considering carrying out an impact analysis of the proposals to compare them to the EU Commission proposals in 2018 by which a country would have to spend 40% of CAP funding on climate measures and the environment. [49682/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The new legislative proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy 2021-2027 outline a greater environmental ambition post-2020 and recognise the role the agriculture sector has to play in helping Member States achieve their environmental and climate change targets.

I firmly endorse the principle that there must be a high level of environmental ambition in the CAP post-2020.

The Finnish Presidency recently proposed a single common percentage to be applied by Member States for environmental actions across both Pillars. However, this proposal did not include any suggested percentage. I believe the details of the proposal will have to be developed further before we come to any definitive conclusions. I am, of course, ready to explore all possible options when examining these proposals and look forward to engaging with the Presidency and my European colleagues further on this matter.