Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan has welcomed the commitment by the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney to work with his EU colleagues on maximising the benefits to Irish farmers in the forthcoming CAP negotiations.
Speaking after a lengthy and positive public meeting in Adare at which the Minister met with representatives of the farming organisations and other groups, Patrick O’Donovan said it was very clear that the Minister had a full command of his brief, and was in no doubt but that he was doing everything in his power to ensure the best possible deal for Ireland. Simon Coveney told the meeting that Ireland had been successful so far in forging alliances with other EU countries on the development of a new CAP, and while there are outstanding differences between what the EU Commission are proposing and what some of the member states are looking for, he said he is committed to working with other Agriculture Ministers to ensure a successful outcome.
Deputy O’Donovan said that the work which was underway was of crucial importance to the Co. Limerick economy. He said that the Minister fully appreciated and understand the importance of the food industry to the Co. Limerick economy, and while there had been very difficult decisions made as part of the budget, the Department of Agriculture was one of only a few departments which saw a net increase in its budget over the last two years, a clear commitment by the Government of the importance it gives to the farming sector.
Speaking after the meeting, Patrick O’Donovan said that it was vital that there was a strong relationship between the farming organisations and Oireachtas members, who could work together to deliver to Irish agriculture and he committed to playing his role in carrying out that work.