Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
819. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Ireland’s position on the European Commission’s proposals to restructure the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027 into a single National and Regional Partnerships fund; if Ireland will oppose any dilution of ring-fenced supports for young farmers, including the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6617/26]
View answerI have been clear in expressing my concern about the proposal to embed the CAP within a single National and Regional Partnership Plan, and this concern has been fully reflected across Government in its approach to the Commission's proposals for the next EU Budget post-2027.
While greater coherence across EU funding instruments is a stated objective, Ireland believes that the CAP must remain a distinct policy with its own clear governance, rules and accountability. Integrating the CAP into a broader fund risks increased administrative burden, uncertainty in delivery and a weakening of the common nature of the policy.
I have welcomed recent proposals from the Commission to transfer certain CAP-specific provisions from the NRPP Regulation into the CAP Regulation. My Department is actively engaging at EU level to progress this, as it will help to reinforce the integrity of the CAP, clarify responsibilities, and reduce complexity for farmers and administrations.
With regard to young farmers, I place a strong emphasis on generational renewal and will not support any dilution of effective supports in this area. I consider ring-fenced supports for young farmers, including the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers, to be a vital element of the CAP and will continue to advocate for their retention as negotiations proceed.
