Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
300. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward to the European Commission in relation to the need to reduce the regulatory burden on farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11375/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been working closely with the European Commission, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and other Member States in relation to reducing the administrative burden on farmers. The Belgian Presidency invited Member States to submit their proposals for simplification. DAFM’s submission asked for flexibility in the implementation of a number of the Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAECs), recognising that farmers are struggling with the number of new requirements. I am conscious of the pressure that farming is under and I have, where feasible and legal, during the first year of the CAP made changes to the schemes to address farmers' concerns. I will continue to work closely with other Member States, stakeholders and with my officials to ensure simplification where possible. I raised the issue of simplification at the most recent meeting of the Council of Ministers on 26 February where I stressed that GAEC requirements should be straightforward minimum requirements. I will continue to work closely with other Ministers and with the Commission, as will my officials, over the coming weeks and months in response to any European initiatives proposed.
