Brendan Smith
Ceist:46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the need to increase the CAP budget post 2020 was raised at the recent European Council meeting. [15157/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 April 2018
Ceisteanna (46)
Freagraí scríofa
From my understanding this matter was not one of the agenda items raised at the recent European Council meeting. However Ireland's position on the need for a well funded CAP is well understood at institutional level and by other Member States in the European Union. In his address to the European Parliament in January 2018, the Taoiseach indicated that Ireland is open to contributing more to the EU budget, but only if it is spent on policies that contribute to the advancement of the European ideal. I consider CAP to be one such policy.
It is however worth noting that not all Member States are in favour of increasing their contributions to the overall EU budget, so upcoming budget negotiations will be difficult. Further clarity will be provided shortly when the MFF proposals are published by the Commission on 2 May 2018.
However I wish to assure the Deputy that I have argued and will continue to do so at the Council of Agriculture Ministers for as strong a CAP budget as possible post 2020.