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Common Agricultural Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Ceisteanna (838)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

838. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the position of Ireland in negotiating the future of the CAP takes into consideration the need for local variance within individual states in CAP guidelines to help ensure biodiversity. [15715/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The new legislative proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy 2021 - 2027 were launched in June 2018 by Commissioner Hogan. The Commission proposals, as drafted, involve significant changes, including in relation to governance, the distribution of direct payments among farmers and the environmental conditionality attaching to such payments. Indeed, three of the nine objectives of the CAP relate to the achievement of a higher level of environment and climate ambition, including in relation to the protection of biodiversity and the preservation of habitats and landscapes.

The proposals provide for additional discretion for Member States in configuring the measures available, within parameters which are laid down in the draft proposals. Taking this balanced approach, the new CAP is intended to provide for appropriate national flexibility while also maintaining a common approach and a level playing field. It is an approach that Ireland supports. The CAP already supports locally-led environmental and other measures and the new arrangements will continue to do so.

Negotiations are continuing under the German Presidency. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work closely with the Presidency, my European counterparts and the European Commission to ensure that the next CAP continues to provide necessary support and the best possible outcome for Ireland's farmers and agriculture sector.

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