As consideration of the next CAP is ongoing, Ireland has pressed for the earliest possible adoption of regulations to facilitate the operation of schemes during the transitional period. This is to provide some certainty until such time as CAP regulations and associated funding arrangements are agreed. Ireland has pressed for early agreement on these issues so that my Department can plan for the transitional period with legal and financial certainty and consequently provide clarity to farmers and rural communities as soon as possible.
In parallel, my Department will begin to work now on measures to meet its commitments under a new Programme for Government, including those in relation to a new environmental scheme. This will be priority work for me and my Department over the coming months and the stakeholders will continue to be updated on developments.