Aylward leads EU delegation to Ireland

A LEADING EU delegation will come to Dublin on February 4t at the invitation of the ALDE (Liberal Group) MEPs, Marian Harkin, Liam Aylward, Pat the Cope Gallagher.

The party will travel with George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland. Lyon continues his tour of key European capitals to hear views of Ministers, farmers and industry bodies on the future shape of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

With €1.6 billion Euros a year in funding for Irish farmers and the Irish food sector, negotiations are underway concerning how best to protect this financial envelope as we enter new into the new financial perspective.

George Lyon, who is the former President of the National Farmers Union in Scotland will has been appointed by the Agriculture Committee of the European Parliament to draft a report setting our the European Parliament's priorities for the upcoming reform of the CAP

Lyon said: "Everyone agrees that the negotiations on CAP reform will be tough. Before those discussions begin in earnest it is vital that Ministers, farmers and industry representatives have the opportunity to share their concerns. By listening to the views of key member states across Europe I hope to be able to work towards consensus on the future direction of the CAP. I very much look forward to a constructive exchange of views in Dublin."

Marian Harkin said: "The visit of George Lyon to obtain views from a range of stakeholders ranging from Concern to the farmers organisations, Oireachtas members and the Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Food, reflects the determination of ALDE members such as myself to ensure that every effort will be made to ensure a continued CAP Policy favourable to Ireland's needs. "

Pat the Cope Gallagher said: "From an Irish perspective, there will be many challenges in Europe including the review of the Common Agricultural Policy for the period 2014 to 2021. Important budgetary negotiations are now commencing in Europe on how much money will be provided to Irish agriculture for that period.  I am confident that we can work together to secure the best deal for Irish farmers."

Liam Aylward:  "This report will be the first insight into the future shape of the CAP. It will heavily influence the European Commission's final proposals especially since the European Parliament has equal legislative power for Agriculture under the Lisbon Treaty. Europe has a key role to play in the future of Irish farming."