Agriculture Committee to discuss CAP and CFP progress with Minister

7 May 2013

The meeting forms part of a wide ranging Oireachtas programme to mark Europe week.

Separately, the Committee will continue its series of discussions on the implications of the proposed sale of Coillte's harvesting rights with input from the Society of Irish Foresters, a representative body for those in the forestry profession.

Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle TD says: “In March, under the chairmanship of Minister Coveney, the Council of Ministers agreed a common position on the Common Agricultural Policy. This afternoon’s meeting will be an opportunity for Committee Members to engage with the Minister on the key features of the deal and discuss with him some of the issues that remain outstanding. With the European Parliament agreeing last night to enter negotiations on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework, our Committee will have an opportunity to engage with Minister Coveney on the outlook for securing final agreement during term of the Irish EU Presidency, which concludes at the end of June.

“Minister Coveney will also update the Committee on the Common Fisheries Policy negotiations. Taking on board the complexity of the talks, Minister Coveney stated that the approach to CFP must be underpinned by the basic need to ensure that there are more fish in the sea. While the Council reached agreement to phase out discards of unwanted catches up to 2017, the European Parliament voted a position in February to immediately end the practice. Minister Coveney will have an opportunity to update the Committee on how he sees the gap between both positions being bridged.”

Following the meeting with Minister Coveney, representatives from the Society of Irish Foresters will address the Committee.

Deputy Doyle continues: “Through a series of meetings, the Committee is providing a forum for stakeholders to debate the implications of any proposed sale of Coillte's harvesting rights. In doing so, the hearings will contribute to more informed public debate before any final decisions by Government are made. Last week, we heard from the Irish Timber Council and tomorrow’s meeting will allow our Committee engage with the Society of Irish Foresters, whose membership comprises predominantly of professional foresters.”

The meeting commences with discussions with Minister Coveney at 2:15 pm this afternoon Tuesday 7 May in Committee Room 3, LH 2000. Committee proceedings can be followed live here.

For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +353 1 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926