2639. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there were discussions at the recent EU Agriculture Council concerning the funding of CAP post 2027 and the need to ensure adequate financial resources for same in view of its importance for the farming and agri-food sector, rural development and food security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58240/26]

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 lead on these negotiations, in close consultation with my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach.

Although the overall CAP budget is determined through the MFF negotiations, the future financing of the CAP has been discussed regularly at meetings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in the context of the European Commission's proposals for the CAP post-2027. While the matter was not specifically discussed in July, these exchanges have highlighted the importance of ensuring that the future CAP is supported by an adequate budget to enable it to meet its economic, environmental and social objectives.

I have previously expressed my concerns at the AgriFish Council of Ministers regarding the proposed reduction in the CAP budget compared with the 2021-2027 period, and have emphasised that the future CAP must be adequately funded in order to support viable farm incomes, food security, generational renewal, environmental sustainability and vibrant rural communities.

With Ireland now holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we are acting as an honest broker to advance the negotiations on the future budget to the maximum possible extent over the coming months, taking into account the views of all Member States as we work to build consensus on a range of issues, including CAP funding.

Over this period I will continue to work closely with my Government colleagues, and to engage constructively with Member State counterparts and the European Commission, to ensure that the CAP budget ultimately agreed reflects the strategic importance of agriculture, and the sector's contribution to Europe’s food security and long-term resilience.