Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2013
41. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he discussed the Common Agricultural Policy negotiations with any European leaders recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15989/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am in regular contact with my colleagues from other Member States and the EU institutions regarding the Common Agricultural Policy negotiations. I chaired a full discussion of the CAP reform proposals at the most recent meeting of the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers a little over two weeks ago and I had the opportunity for informal discussions with the Agriculture Commissioner and a number of Member States in the margins of that Council. Next week I will chair an orientation debate on CAP reform at the May Agriculture Council when we will explore the possibilities for reaching political agreement on this very complex dossier. I am also in regular contact with the chairman of the Agricultural Committee of the European Parliament and had a detailed discussion with him and the rapporteurs for the four main CAP reform regulations towards the end of last month.
My intention is to continue with these contacts and meetings with a view to obtaining agreement on CAP reform between the three EU institutions by the end of June.
