Common Agricultural Policy
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-19
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Peter 'Chap' Cleere (FF), Carlow-Kilkenny

I welcome the Minister's comments and the fact a strong CAP is not just about agriculture but it is about the future of rural Ireland. When farming thrives, rural communities thrive alongside it. Local businesses, schools, services and sports clubs all depend on vibrant rural economies so this finance will be key to that. CAP 27 must provide meaningful supports to help young farmers enter the industry and invest in their farms for the long term. Historically, Ireland has played a really constructive role in shaping European agriculture policy and, as decisions around CAP intensify, that leadership from the Minister, the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach will be more important than ever. Ireland must be at the negotiating table shaping CAP 27. We have the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will be hugely influential for us. However, if Europe wants sustainable food production, vibrant rural communities and a secure food supply, then the next phase of the Common Agricultural Policy must work for the farmers who make all that possible. It must work for the rural communities and the finance and funding has to be in place to allow these communities to thrive.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-19/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:45+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-19