Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
135. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if simplification of schemes and a reduction in paper work for farmers will be a key priority policy issue during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU; the discussions he has had to date with the Commission and with other Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35777/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe delivery of schemes in a simplified manner for both farmers and for Member State administrations is an issue that consistently informs Ireland's approach both to negotiations on the regulatory framework at EU level, and to the design and implementation of measures 'on the ground'.
Simplification will therefore be a key consideration as we progress the negotiations on the CAP and National and Regional Partnership Plan legal framework during our forthcoming EU Presidency. It will also inform our approach when it comes to applying that legal framework to the design and implementation of CAP measures for the period post-2027.
More generally, the priorities and policy programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU are currently under development. This work is being led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in close coordination with the Department of the Taoiseach, and with the active participation of all Departments across Government.
The policy objectives we set for our Presidency will be further shaped by our own priorities across a wide range of areas. In this regard the Government, recognising the importance of ensuring that stakeholder groups have their voices heard, has held, and will continue to hold, a series of consultation meetings with stakeholders from across business, civil society, trade unions and other interest groups.
Following the conclusion of this process, the Government will agree and publish our programme of policy priorities for the Presidency in June 2026, shortly before the start of Ireland's Presidency term.
