Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
131. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline his priorities as chair of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35480/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs chair of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU, I will work with other Member States and the EU institutions to support farming and fishing families, protect their incomes, strengthen their competitiveness, and sustain rural and coastal communities.
This will be reflected in our priorities and policy programme, and at Council, my key priorities will be to progress the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2027, and to successfully conclude the annual Fishing Opportunity negotiations.
Our Presidency will also progress the implementation of the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, with a particular focus on generational renewal, sustainable livestock, the bioeconomy, animal welfare, and making EU rules simpler and more workable for farmers.
The Vision is a good step in emphasising that the agri-food sector is essential to wider EU themes of security, competitiveness and innovation. It highlights that farming and food systems are key to Europe’s future, and that strong, sustainable, and competitive agricultural and fisheries sectors are essential for the Union to meet its wider ambitions. Our Presidency will build on that.
