In keeping with the whole year approach, I invite the Minister to meet the sub-committee again in July for an exchange of views on the outlook for 2013 and to explore measures he intends to prioritise. Is that acceptable?
Business of Select Sub-Committee
Absolutely. Matters are progressing rapidly on both the Common Agriculture Policy and Common Fisheries Policy. The Danish Presidency is seeking to reach agreement on a common position on the CFP next Tuesday. Essentially, this will be the position of member states on how the policy should be developed. We are approaching the stage at which serious decisions and commitments will be made on the future shape of these policies. I requested that time be arranged this week for statements in the Dáil on the Common Fisheries Policy in light of the significant developments taking place on discards. This is the big issue in the CFP and I hoped to discuss it in the Dáil this week but there was insufficient time. Perhaps we will be able to discuss the issue next week following the Council meeting. As far as I am concerned these are not party political issues and I would like to hear the input from other parties.
The Minister did not reply to my questions on food entrepreneurs but perhaps he can revert to us at some point in the future.
We are doing considerable work in that area through Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia.
Perhaps we can have a wider discussion with the Minister in July. I thank him and his officials for meeting us and I thank members for the way in which they approached their questions. We managed to maximise the time available to us. Our performance also appears to have improved.
The select sub-committee adjourned at 11.10 a.m. sine die.