598. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the person or body representing the forestry sector on the CAP Consultative Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52932/26]

I established the CAP Consultative Committee to facilitate on-going consultation with key stakeholders in relation to the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period post-2027. Details relating to the Committee’s membership and meetings are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/collections/cap-post-2027-consultative-committee/

The Committee is drawn from stakeholders who have extensive and direct experience of CAP issues, and building on those who were involved in the previous CAP reform processes. I am satisfied that this approach has facilitated a very broad representation covering all sectors within Irish agriculture as well as interested parties.

Other stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to engage with the proposals for the reform of the CAP through the other channels provided, for example the recent public consultation which closed in late March. Further consultations are planned in this regard.