Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
121. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position of the Government in relation to proposals emerging at EU level for the next CAP post 2027, particularly concerns regarding a reduction or restructuring of direct farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35069/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on progress on CAP negotiations in light of expected tightening of the EU Budget after 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35734/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra142. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on their engagements regarding CAP post-2027. [35757/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date at EU Council discussions in relation to the need to ensure that adequate funding is provided for CAP in the next Multiannual Financial Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35740/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra150. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the progress of CAP negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35479/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 127, 142, 148 and 150 together.
In July 2025, the European Commission published its legislative proposals for the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as a chapter of the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP) framework.
Negotiations on the CAP Regulation are ongoing at EU level through Council Working Parties, the Special Committee on Agriculture and the Agriculture and Fisheries Council. Initial discussions under the Danish Presidency focused on the technical examination of the Commission’s proposals and identifying key issues arising across the framework. Under the Cyprus Presidency, work has progressed to the circulation and discussion of compromise texts across the CAP Regulation. Ireland has engaged actively throughout these negotiations and is now preparing for its role as honest broker during our Presidency in the second half of 2026.
Progress has also been made on the transfer of CAP-specific provisions from the proposed NRPP Regulation into the CAP Regulation. In particular, agreement was reached to un-bracket key definitions, including the definition of a farmer, allowing these provisions to be discussed fully within the CAP framework. Discussions are continuing on whether further CAP-specific articles should be transferred in order to strengthen the coherence and operability of the future CAP framework.
Ireland has consistently highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong and adequately funded CAP that continues to support viable farm incomes, food production and rural communities across the European Union. While the overall EU budget and funding allocations are ultimately matters for the wider MFF negotiations at European Council level, Ireland continues to advocate strongly in Council discussions for a sufficiently funded CAP, and for the CAP to remain clearly identifiable within the future EU funding architecture.
Ireland is also carefully examining the Commission’s proposals relating to the future structure of direct payments and income supports, including proposals on degressivity and capping. Ireland recognises the importance of ensuring fairness and balanced distribution of supports across the Union. However, it is important that any future model remains workable in practice and does not disproportionately impact productive farms or undermine food production capacity and farm viability.
Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July 2026, and will work closely with Member States and the European institutions to build on the progress achieved to date and advance negotiations across the remaining parts of the CAP legislative framework.
