174. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the context of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the steps being taken to secure an increased CAP budget that reflects the strategic importance of agriculture for food security, environmental sustainability and rural development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52202/26]

The overall budget for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 will form part of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is negotiated at EU level by Finance Ministers and, ultimately, agreed by Heads of State and Government. In Ireland, the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade lead on these negotiations, in close consultation with my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach.

The Commission’s proposal for the next MFF includes a significant reduction in the ring-fenced CAP budget compared with the current programming period. While the proposals would provide Member States with the possibility of transferring funding from the wider National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP) envelope into the CAP, further clarity is required on how these provisions would operate in practice.

I have previously emphasised that the future CAP must be adequately funded to support viable farm incomes, food security, environmental sustainability, generational renewal and vibrant rural communities. I have also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the CAP continues to provide farmers with the certainty and stability required to respond to increasing market, climate and geopolitical challenges.

As Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Ireland’s role will be to facilitate discussions and to act as an honest broker in advancing negotiations. In parallel, I will continue to engage with my Government colleagues, the European Commission and my ministerial counterparts across the European Union as discussions on the future CAP and wider MFF progress.