Minister Heydon and Dooley to attend Agrifish Council in Luxembourg

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, are today attending the Agrifish Council in Luxembourg.

Key items on the agenda include discussion on post-2027 common agriculture policy

proposals and market challenges facing the EU agricultural sector. The Council will also exchange views on sustainable fishing in the EU and on the next steps following the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy.

This is the final Agrifish Council meeting with Cyprus holding the EU Presidency - Ireland assumes the EU Presidency on 1 July.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Heydon said:

“I want to congratulate my colleague, Minister Maria Panayiotou, and Cyprus, for delivering a successful Presidency. The Presidency is a significant responsibility, and Cyprus has carried it with energy, focus and a spirit of co-operation, bringing great leadership at this pivotal time for Europe.

“As the next Presidency, Ireland is conscious of the responsibility that will come to us shortly. We will seek to build on the work of Cyprus, and to approach our Presidency in a spirit of partnership, listening and cooperation. Ireland’s Presidency will be guided by a clear objective at Council to support farming and fishing families, protect incomes, strengthen competitiveness, sustain rural and coastal communities, and strike the right balance between the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainability.

“Our two central priorities will be to progress discussions on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027, and to successfully conclude the annual fishing opportunities negotiations. I look forward to engaging with my EU colleagues on our priorities and making as much progress as possible during Ireland’s Presidency.”

Also commenting, Minister Dooley added:

“The sustainable development of fishing and aquaculture is key to the future of our rural and coastal communities. Ireland’s Presidency will advance discussions on how to ensure our seafood sector remains competitive, resilient and equipped to meet future challenges.”