Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021
39. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the redistributive measures he is proposing in the CAP strategic plan; and if he will bring this plan before the Houses of the Oireachtas for approval. [51080/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that we are reaching a critical stage in the development of the CAP Strategic Plan. I have been listening to the views of stakeholders on this matter. The key topics are fairness, economic viability, and the likely impact of the Plan on part-time and full-time farmers and their communities.
In relation to the Pillar 1 redistributive measures, I am proposing that payments should be capped at €66,000, with no provision made for salaries. On internal convergence, each entitlement value is required to reach a minimum of 85% of the national average value by 2026. My proposal is that this will be done in an incremental way over the period to allow farmers time to adjust.
Regarding redistribution, the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) provides that 10% of direct payments funding is redistributed to small- and medium-sized farmers via so-called "front-loading". I am proposing that this 10% will be redistributed on the first 30 hectares of every farm, at an estimated rate of €43.14 per eligible hectare.
The Oireachtas has received regular updates on the CAP negotiations at official and Ministerial level and this will continue as the plan is developed further.
The Department will be conducting a statutory and public consultation on the draft Environmental Report on the draft CSP later this year. I will then seek Government approval in December before submission of the plan to the EU Commission by the end of the year.
