2793. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the issues outlined in correspondence and in a detailed submission from a national organisation concerning CAP funding post 2027 (details supplied). [63985/26]

With regard to the next CAP, the overall budget for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027, together with other financial matters such as the proposed 10% rural target, will form part of the next EU Budget or Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The MFF 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. 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 highlighted that this is a matter of serious concern given the need to adequately fund a policy that plays a vital role in supporting viable farm incomes, food security, environmental sustainability, generational renewal and vibrant rural communities.

During our EU Presidency, Ireland is 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.