30 Samh 2012, 15:38
The Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine Andrew Doyle TD this morning pointed to the need for a Common Agricultural Policy that maximises food production in a sustainable manner, while protecting rural communities.
30 November 2012
European Parliament leaders were visiting Leinster House for discussions on the parliamentary dimension of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which commences on 1 January. The engagement forms part of a two day visit to Ireland by President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, and the chairpersons of the Parliament’s political groups.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett TD, Cathaoirleach Senator Paddy Burke and a number of Oireachtas Committee Chairs introduced the delegation, known as the Conference of Presidents, to the priorities of the parliamentary dimension which will comprise eight high-profile meetings during the six months. The meeting of Chairpersons of Agriculture Committees is scheduled for 10 and 11 March in Dublin Castle.
Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle TD says: “As negotiations on the CAP enter a decisive phase, this was a valuable opportunity to meet with leaders of the European Parliament, including President Martin Schulz MEP, to raise the likely agenda items of our Chairpersons meeting in March. Global issues such as food security and climate change should inform the negotiations. It is imperative therefore that any future CAP will maximise food production in a sustainable manner, while protecting rural communities.”
“It is expected that 4.5 million farmers will retire in 10 years to 2022. Of a total 13 million farmers in the entire European Union, only 7 per cent are aged below 35. Accordingly, there will be a special focus on increasing the age profile of EU farmers and the need to attract young farmers into the industry. Innovative ideas on training and education as well as international policies on increasing access for young farmers will be examined at our meeting in March.”
Ends
For further information contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 6949926
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie
Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine - Membership
Deputies:
Tom Barry, Fine Gael
Pat Deering, Fine Gael (Vice-Chairman)
Martin Ferris, Sinn Féin
Andrew Doyle, Fine Gael (Chairman)
Martin Heydon, Fine Gael
Colm Keaveney, Labour
Michael McNamara, Labour
Eamon Ó Cuiv, Fianna Fáil
Thomas Pringle, Independent
Senators:
Michael Comiskey, Fine Gael
Paschal Mooney, Fianna Fáil
Pat O’Neill, Fine Gael
Mary Ann O’Brien, Independent
Brian Ó Domhnaill, Fianna Fáil
Susan O’Keeffe, Labour