Minister Killeen Responds To Publication Of Cap Health Check

Minister Killeen said that he looked forward to the presentation of the proposals to the Agriculture Council at the forthcoming Informal Council in Ljubljana on 27th May and the opportunity at that meeting for a first political discussion on the proposals.

Minister Killeen said he welcomed the initiative to simplify the operation of the CAP, which he said the Irish government has been advocating for a number of years.

He stated he will be studying the detail of this and ensuring it progresses to the benefit of Irish farmers during the negotiations.

"My view is that the Health Check must deliver real simplification that has concrete benefits at farm level," the Minister commented.

The Clare T.D. added that, while this is the first step by the Commission on the Health Check, he has reservations on a number of proposals, which will be pursued during the upcoming negotiations.

The Junior Agriculture Minister continued, "I will work on building alliances and understandings with Member States as well as outlining my concerns to the Commission in order to achieve progress on issues such as an acceptable and ambitious increase in milk quotas for Ireland. I will be voicing my concern at the proposed increase in the rate of modulation so that I can ensure the protection of farm payments in Ireland. I will also push for the retention of market management."

Minister Killeen acknowledged that negotiations on the various proposals would now commence under the Slovenian Presidency and continue under the French Presidency.

He explained that the proposals would also be on the Council agenda through to the November Council and said that every opportunity would be taken to reflect Ireland’s concerns about some aspects of the proposals.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry), is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)