Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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2498. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position he is taking in the trilogue negotiations on the new CAP he discussed and that was voted on by the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19387/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In June 2018, the European Commission put forward the proposed legislation for the new CAP. The Commission made these proposals to the European Parliament and to the Council of Ministers, who, in October 2020, adopted their respective positions on the proposals.

Trilogue negotiations between the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament commenced in November 2020 in order to find common ground and reach overall agreement. During the trilogues, the rotating Presidency represents the Council of Ministers and reports back to Council, and may seek a revised mandate with a view to attaining agreement.

The negotiating position (General Approach) adopted by the Council of Ministers is not voted on by the Houses of the Oireachtas, and neither is any change to that position that may be deemed necessary during the trilogue negotiations. However, I have always sought to have broad consultation and regular stakeholder input to my Department's consideration of the proposals. Throughout the process the CAP post-2020 Stakeholder Consultative Committee, established in 2019, has provided a forum to facilitate stakeholder engagement, and to allow all the stakeholders an ongoing opportunity to express their views. The Committee meets on a regular basis, and is kept updated as the CAP reform discussions progress.

I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to actively participate in the negotiation process and work with my European counterparts to secure the best possible outcome for the Irish agri-food sector.