Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
869. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department is taking to address the threat of reduced funding under the new Common Agricultural Policy to ensure the viability of family farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9154/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra871. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place to protect farm incomes in view of the European Commission’s proposed reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9156/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 869 and 871 together.
In discussing the funding of the Common Agricultural Policy, it should be borne in mind that this funding forms part of a broader EU budget, or Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is negotiated by Finance Ministers and then agreed by Heads of State. The Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are the lead Departments in this regard, in close consultation with Department of An Taoiseach.
That said, Ireland is firmly opposed to any reduction in CAP funding. The indicative allocation proposed for Ireland is not acceptable given the scale of the challenges facing farmers and the need to sustain rural communities. I will continue to advocate for a strong and well-resourced CAP that underpins the sustainability and competitiveness of Irish agriculture.
The Common Agricultural Policy remains the EU’s primary tool to support farm incomes and ensure the long-term viability of farming across Europe. Ireland’s priority is to ensure that the next CAP continues to provide effective, predictable income support, while also enabling farmers to meet environmental and sustainability objectives.
Negotiations on the Commission’s proposals are still at an early stage, and Ireland is actively engaged in Council discussions to secure improvements, including greater funding certainty, stronger safeguards for farm viability, and flexibility for Member States to design measures suited to national farming structures.
