Decisions on CAP due in December

Major EU decisions on the future of Ireland’s €1.7bn of annual Common Agriculture Policy payments are expected before the New Year, according to Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

Previously, these decisions on the overall EU budget for the next seven years were not expected before March at the earliest.

“Now, however, I believe there is an increased likelihood that it may get done in December,” said the minister, adding that an early agreement would be very positive from the viewpoint of the Irish six-month presidency of the EU which begins on Jan 1.