46 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in the context of the forthcoming negotiations on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, he believes in the continuation of the two-pillar structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21857/10]

I support the continuation of a two-pillar structure. My view is that the core purpose of pillar 1 funding is to provide income support to farmers to allow them to maintain family farming and to produce food competitively in an environmentally sustainable manner. In this context, there is a direct link between the income stabilisation role of direct payments and the market stabilisation role of our current market management measures. Rural development policy, on the other hand, supports farmers in developing their productive capacity while securing the environment and ensuring the well being of the wider rural society. I believe that funding from both pillars is critical to the future of Irish and European farming and should be maintained and enhanced.