Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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691. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position he is taking on the Common Agricultural Policy negotiations in relation to the redistribution of direct payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25574/21]

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.

The Council General Approach provides for a number of options for redistribution, giving Member States the necessary flexibility to put in place appropriate national measures. These include further convergence of direct payments, capping and reduction of payments, as well as the option to operate the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability, which would allow extra payments on the first hectares of a holding.

My officials and I are examining all aspects of the CAP proposals in order to assess their potential impact.  In addition, there is ongoing consultation with stakeholders, including through the CAP Consultative Committee, regarding the proposals.

Trilogue negotiations between the Commission, European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, which are aimed at reaching a final shared agreement on the shape of the new CAP, commenced at the end of 2020. These are ongoing. Final agreement on the CAP, including the redistributive elements, is dependent on the outcome of the trilogue process.

It is vital for Member States to retain as much subsidiarity as possible to allow them best address their identified needs within the CAP Strategic Plan. I am actively working with my European counterparts to achieve this goal and to secure the best possible outcome for Ireland's agri-food sector.