Ciaran MULLOOLY

Policy topics Ciaran MULLOOLY is active on

What Ciaran MULLOOLY has said (80)

• 2026-03-18 “Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 7.5.2026 Written question 1. Mercosur countries have been authorised to export beef to the EU for a number of years. The Commission carries out audits of the official control and certification systems underpinning the guarantees provided by Mercosur countries in the certificate for bovine meat required by the EU. Between 2023 and 2025, a total of nine relevant audits were carried out in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. The corresponding audit reports are available at the Commission website [1] , with one still being finalised [2] . The Commission plans to carry out four audits for beef in Mercosur countries in 2026 [3] . 2. Published audit reports contain information about the number of states/regions and establishments visited within each country, though names are not disclosed. Commission audits are system audits and not audits of individual establishments, and establishments are visited to evaluate the performance of the competent authorities. The audit’s objective is to assess and verify the effectiveness and compliance of the authorities’ official control and certification systems in order to support the guarantees provided in the certificate required by the EU. 3. Findings vary according to the scope of the audit and the countries’ official control and certification systems and are detailed in the individual reports. The main findings and conclusions lead to recommendations to the competent authorities which are also published in the report. In response to the Commission’s recommendations, the competent authorities present an action plan. The Commission assesses the action plan and follows up on its implementation as necessary, either administratively or during a subsequent audit. Action plans are published alongside the audit reports. [1] http://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit_reports/index.cfm. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj. [3] For details on the audits carried out and programmed see the annex.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU · Trade relations with Mercosur
• 2026-02-11 “Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission 19.5.2026 Written question Promotion funding is intrinsically linked to the promotion of EU-origin. The general objective of the information provision and promotion measures under the EU promotion policy for agricultural products is to enhance the competitiveness of the EU agricultural sector (Article 2 Regulation (EU) 1144/2014 [1] ). Only EU-produced products are eligible for this funding. Products that are produced outside of the EU are not eligible. The information provision and promotion measures aim to increase consumers’ awareness of the merits of the EU agricultural products and production methods, and of its quality schemes; increase the competitiveness and consumption of EU agricultural products, raise their profile both inside and outside the EU and increase their market share. Furthermore, implementing Regulation [2] (EU) 2015/1831 establishes strict requirements for the mention of European origin in all information and promotional materials (Article 2). As in other sectors, origin is determined in accordance with the established non-preferential rules of origin. The indication of the country of origin of agricultural and food products is laid down in EU law, as reflected in Regulation (EU) 1308/2013, and further specified in relevant secondary legislation. As stipulated in Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 1144/2014, Member State authorities are responsible for the proper implementation of so called simple programmes (submitted by one or more organisations in a single Member State), including their monitoring and control. [1] Regulation (EU) No 1144/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on information provision and promotion measures concerning agricultural products implemented in the internal market and in third countries and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 3/2008. [2] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1831 of 7 October 2015 laying down rules for application of Regulation (EU) No 1144/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on information provision and promotion measures concerning agricultural products implemented in the internal market and in the third countries.”
  Export of EU agri-food products · EU framework for voluntary quality and sustainability terms in food marketing
• 2026-02-02 “P-000417/2026 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission EU food safety standards apply to all products placed on the EU market, regardless of their origin and regardless of the existence of a free trade agreement with the trade partner. The Commission is dedicated to strictly enforcing these standards to ensure that imported food meets EU requirements. In accordance with the Communication on ‘A Vision for Agriculture and Food 1 ’, the Commission will notably increase the number of audits in third countries by 50% and works closely with the Member States to further strengthen border controls. During a recent Commission audit in Brazil, the Brazilian competent authority informed the auditors about beef consignments containing products from female cattle treated with oestradiol. The Commission promptly shared all necessary information with the Member States so that, if needed, they can take appropriate action both at borders and within their markets. The Brazilian competent authority has confirmed the delisting of the concerned establishment for EU export, and the suspension of the activity of the concerned certification body. The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) system operated effectively. Member State authorities issued appropriate notifications upon detecting non-compliant products, enabling coordinated precautionary measures across the EU. The Commission oversees this system and continues to track actions taken by the Member States. 1 COM/2025/75 final.”
  EU policy on country of origin food labelling · Import of agri-food products in the EU
• 2025-08-29 “E-003336/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission Market surveillance regarding the performance of construction products based on harmonised European standards under the framework of the Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 1 falls in principle under the responsibility of the national authorities. National authorities are under an obligation of sincere cooperation towards the EU organs and the authorities of other Member States under Article 4(3) of the Treaty on European Union. These national authorities have the possibility via the Commission’s Information and Communication System for Market Surveillance to upload information on investigated products. There has been no upload identifying any flawed products covered by the two standards in question between 2020 and 2024. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02011R0305-20241117.”
  EU competences on consumer protection and product standards
• 2025-08-28 “E-003327/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission In July 2024, the Commission sent a letter of formal notice 1 to Ireland, in which it laid out the reasons for its claim that Ireland has failed to fulfil its obligations under the Construction Products Regulation 2 , by not providing for market surveillance of construction products before they are placed on the market. Ireland replied in September 2024 to the letter of formal notice. Since then, the Irish authorities keep reporting on their market surveillance activities and the resources devoted to them. The Commission services keep assessing the relevant facts and information received to date, to determine whether Ireland now fulfils its market surveillance duties under EU law, in particular for products within the range of the masonry blocks in question. Based on this, the Commission will take a decision on the way forward. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringementdecisions/?lang_code=fi&langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byDecision&infringementType=REG&ac tiveCase=true&dg=GROW&memberState=IE&page=1&size=10&order=desc&sortColumns=decisionDate. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:L_202403110.”
  EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices
• 2025-07-16 “E-002929/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission 1. According to the relevant legislation 1 , it is the responsibility of the competent authority in the Member State to issue, review and withdraw accreditation of paying agencies. On 10 September 2024, the competent authority has put OPEKEPE’s accreditation under probation 2 . The Greek authorities have recently informed the Commission about their intention to integrate OPEKEPE into the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). They are currently preparing the legal base paving the way for such a transition and have requested an extension of the probation period for the accreditation of OPEKEPE. The Commission has agreed to such an extension and continues to closely monitor the implementation of the remedial action plan, which the Greek authorities are amending to take into account the planned changes. 2. The Commission’s past audits identified serious deficiencies in the management and control system of the OPEKEPE. On the one hand, these findings led to the decision to put OPEKEPE’s accreditation on probation, while an action plan was put in place to remedy the deficiencies. On the other hand, the findings led to multiple conformity procedures launched by the Commission over the past years, resulting in financial corrections imposed upon Greece. In relation to the ongoing investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) into the work of the Paying Agency, the Commission cannot comment as EPPO is an independent body and its work is covered by the confidentiality of criminal investigations. 1 Article 8(1) of the Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 of the European Parliament and of the Council. 2 Article 2(3) of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/128.”
  Agricultural funding
• 2025-07-09 “P-002803/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The reorganisation of the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, including the discontinuation of the social economy unit, aims at enhancing efficiency, while incorporating social economy into broader industrial and Single Market policies. Social economy actors remain fully integrated into the policies pursued by the Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, including industrial strategy, public procurement review and specific programmes such as the Enterprise Europe Network 1 , Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs 2 and the European Cluster Collaboration Platform 3 . Under the political leadership of the Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, the Commission is firmly committed to fostering social economy development, notably through the implementation of the Social Economy Action Plan 4 , and to ensuring that social economy actors can meaningfully contribute to the prosperity and resilience of the Single Market. The 2023 Council Recommendation on developing social economy framework conditions 5 urges Member States to adopt or update comprehensive strategies promoting social economy, or to align existing policy initiatives with this goal. The European Social Fund Plus 6 and the Technical Support Instrument 7 are crucial in driving the transition towards coherent national social economy strategies. The Commission remains fully committed to advancing the social economy agenda and is preparing a mid-term review of the Social Economy Action Plan to support its continued integration across relevant EU and national policies. 1 https://een.ec.europa.eu. 2 https://www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu. 3 https://transition-pathways.europa.eu/networks-and-platforms/european-cluster-collaboration-platform-eccptools-and-resources-innovation. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0778. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C_202301344. 6 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02021R1057-20241224. 7 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32021R0240.”
  EU policy on social criteria in public funding · EU industrial funding
• 2025-04-09 “E-001438/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission In 2022 and 2023, the Commission’s Joint Research Centre provided technical information to assist Member States with the mapping of peatland and wetland as part of a project entitled ‘Satellite based mapping and monitoring of European peatland and wetland for LULUCF 1 and agriculture’ (SEPLA). This notwithstanding, defining the territorial scope of the Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition Standard for the protection of wetland and peatland (GAEC 2) within the context of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans lies primarily with the Member States. The Commission services assess whether the scope proposed by the Member States aligns with the standard’s core objective, as set out in Article 109(2)(a)(i) of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 2 . It is for the Member States to carry out the relevant mapping and to decide to publish the scientific data, methodology and potential resulting restrictions imposed on farming activity underpinning its chosen approach. 1 Land use, land-use change and forestry Regulation - https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/land-use-sector_en. 2 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2115/oj.”
  Agriculture (green) · Soil protection policy
• 2025-04-02 “E-001362/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission Legal protection of biotechnological inventions in the EU is governed by Directive 98/44/EC 1 ‘Biotech Directive’. According to the provisions of the Directive, biological material which is isolated from its natural environment or produced by means of technical processes may be patentable if it also meets the general patentability requirements, such as novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. However, the Directive excludes animal varieties and animals produced solely by essentially biological processes from patentability. In this context, an ‘essentially biological process’ is defined as a process that consists entirely of natural phenomena such as crossing or selection (e.g. conventional breeding methods). Accordingly, animals and their offsprings resulting from conventional breeding methods, without the application of a technical process such as genetic modification, would generally not constitute a patentable invention within the meaning of the Directive. Patentable biotechnological inventions relating to animals include, for instance, modifications of animal genome aiming to tackle hereditary diseases or enabling animals to survive environmental changes. Where a patented invention (e.g. a modified gene) is incorporated into an animal, the protection extends to any material in which the patented genetic information is contained and continues to perform its function. This principle also applies to the offspring of such animals, provided that the patented invention remains present. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/1998/44/oj/eng”
  GMOs
• 2025-01-22 “P-000286/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission In September 2021, the Commission started an infringement procedure 1 for Italy to comply with judgments of cases C-212/99 2 and C-119/04 3 of the Court of Justice of the EU, to ensure that it reconstructs careers of former lettori in line with Italian Law No 63 of 5 March 2004. The Court stated in these judgments that Law 63/2004 provides for an adequate framework for the reconstruction of lettori’s careers by applying the parameter of the part-time tenured researcher and that the application of this parameter does not appear to preclude the career of a former assistant from being reconstructed on more advantageous terms. Such reconstruction, in the Commission’s view, does not necessarily cover the reconstruction of careers in an uninterrupted manner. Neither of the judgments precludes the splitting of a career: they require the retention of the acquired rights from the date of the original recruitment, but they do not require that this is continued after the extinction of the category of lettori by Law No 236 of 21 June 1995. Italy has the primary responsibility to monitor the application of EU law as interpreted by the Court in its judgments and to take the necessary steps to ensure uniform application across all Italian universities. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission continues monitoring the situation and may decide to take appropriate action. In July 2023, the Commission decided to refer Italy to the Court of Justice of the EU for maintaining discrimination of foreign lecturers. Case C-519/23 is currently pending at the Court of Justice of the EU. Redress in individual cases is to be sought before the competent national courts. 1 INFR(2021)4055, https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringementsproceedings/infringement_decisions/?lang_code=en&langCode=EN 2 Judgment of 26 June 2001, Commission of the European Communities v Italian Republic., C-212/99, EU:C:2001:357. 3 Judgment of 18 July 2006, Commission of the European Communities v Italian Republic, C-119/04, EU:C:2006:489.”
  Jurisdiction conflicts between EU and national courts
• 2024-12-03 “E-002736/2024 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission represents the EU in coastal States consultations with Norway, the Faroe Islands, and others, in line with the EU position approved by the Council and in coordination with Member States. The focus is on sustainable, equitable mackerel stock management. The Commission urges collective quotas aligned with scientific advice, addressing the stock's critical state caused by excessive unilateral quotas. The Commission is also exploring options to reinforce its sustainability tools, for instance, by clarifying the scope of application of Regulation 1026/2012 1 for the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing, which is subject to an ongoing ordinary legislative procedure. The total quota of Ireland for 2025 including transfers from the North Sea TAC (total allowable catches) amounts to 39 914 tonnes, agreed in line with the advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea for a 22% decrease. Ireland’s quota has decreased proportionately less than that of other Member States by virtue of the Council decision to grant Ireland a preferential treatment on mackerel (so-called Hague preferences) 2 . Ireland was a main beneficiary of the EU support through the Brexit Adjustment Reserve until the end of 2023. Currently, Ireland’s fishers and coastal communities may benefit from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) to modernise the fishing fleet, diversify income sources, and enable a sustainable blue economy in the affected communities. 1 Commission proposal of 13 September 2024 to amend Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing OJ L 316 COM(2024) 407 final. 2 Annex VII to Council Resolution of 3 November 1976 (‘The Hague Resolution’).”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries · Funding for fisheries and aquaculture
• 2024-12-03 “E-002737/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has been made aware of concerns about pollution of Newport Bay/Clew Bay through written question E-000547/2024. 1. The Commission is following up on the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in case C-444/21 1 in which Ireland was found to have failed to legally designate several Special Areas of Conservation and to adopt conservation objectives and measures for numerous sites, in breach of the Habitats Directive 2 . This judgment covers the Clew Bay, for which conservation measures are yet awaited. Once communicated, their conformity with EU law will be duly assessed. 2. For agglomerations below 1 000 population equivalents (p.e.) like Newport (815) 3 , limited obligations apply from end 2027 under Article 18 of the revised Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 4 , notably where a risk is identified for the environment or public health. Ireland has submitted with considerable delay its third River Basin Management Plans under the Water Framework Directive 5 : the Commission will raise any implementation issues with the Irish authorities once it will have completed its ongoing assessment. 3.The Irish European Regional Development Fund 6 programmes do not include any funding for the specific objective ‘promoting access to water and sustainable water management’. The Irish Recovery and Resilience Plan 7 supports the upgrade of ten small treatment plants, but the Newport plant was not selected by Uisce Éireann for funding. 1 Commission v Ireland (Protection des zones spéciales de conservation) Case C-444/21 of 29 June 2023: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:62021CJ0444 2 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. 3 https://www.citypopulation.de/en/ireland/towns/mayo/29332__newport/ 4 Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 concerning urban wastewater treatment (recast), OJ L, 2024/3019, 12.12.2024. 5 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1–73. 6 The objectives and scope of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) are laid down in Regulation (EU) No 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund, OJ L 231, 30.6.2021. 7 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/irelands-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-12-03 “E-002735/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware that a majority of EU foresters and farmers already live up to the highest standards of environmental sustainability and are therefore well-placed to meet the requirements of the Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR) 1 . Deforestation and forest degradation in the EU have been minimal in recent decades as national laws for forest protection are generally complied with. The EUDR sets strict geolocation and customs control requirements, applying the same rules for all products placed on the EU market, irrespectively if they come from the EU or partner countries. The Commission’s legislative proposal for the EUDR was based on an Impact Assessment 2 which estimated that overall expected benefits of this Regulation outweigh the costs of compliance for companies. The Commission is finalising the methodology for the classification of low-risk and high-risk countries (Article 29(3) of the EUDR), whose guiding principles have already been published 3 . The Commission is committed to making the proposal for risk classification available as soon as possible but no later than six months before the EUDR enters into application 4 . Operators and traders supplying products from countries with low-deforestation rates will benefit from simplified due diligence (Article 13) and a lower threshold for mandatory checks carried out by competent authorities (Article 16(10)). Regulation (EU) 2024/3234 5 postponing the date of application of the EUDR provides stakeholders with more time to prepare. During the additional 12 months of phasing in, the Commission will explore further clarifications and simplifications. 1 Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206–247. 2 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-regulation-deforestation-free-products_en 3 Communication from the Commission on the Strategic Framework for International Cooperation Engagement in the context of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation. 4 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/CM-5486-2024-INIT/xx/pdf 5 Regulation (EU) 2024/3234 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 as regards provisions relating to the date of application, OJ L, 2024/3234, 23.12.2024, p. 1.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-12-03 “E-002738/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission In July 2024, the Commission opened an infringement procedure 1 against Ireland for not carrying out market surveillance as required by the Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011 2 . The Commission is assessing Ireland’s reply to the letter of formal notice. The Product Liability Directive 85/374/EEC 3 lays down rules on producers’ liability for damages caused by defective products. Victims can claim compensation for damage to, or destruction of, their property. The Directive also covers construction materials used in buildings. To obtain compensation, victims must prove defectiveness of the product and the consequent damage caused, without having to prove fault or negligence from the producer. Compensation for the defective product itself is excluded from the Directive. The Directive specifies that the damage caused by the product must be compensated in full. Where a producer is established outside the EU or cannot be identified, importers or suppliers can be held liable on its behalf. Consumers who bought defective construction materials from professional sellers also have rights under the Sale of Goods Directive 4 , including the right to rescind the sales contract. Sellers are liable for the lack of conformity that becomes apparent during a period of two years from delivery. Member States can provide for longer liability periods in national law 5 . Member States have a primary responsibility to monitor and enforce the application of the relevant legal provisions. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation and may decide to take appropriate action. National market surveillance authorities are responsible for checking manufacturers’ compliance with their obligations under Regulation (EU) 305/2011. 1 INFR(2024)4003: https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringementsproceedings/infringement_decisions/?langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byDecision&page=1&size=10 &order=desc&sortColumns=decisionDate&refId=INFR(2024)4003&activeCase=true 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02011R0305-20241117 3 Directive (EU) 2024/2853 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on liability for defective products and repealing Council Directive 85/374/EEC. 4 Directive (EU) 2019/771 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the sale of goods. The Directive applies to sales contracts concluded from 1 June 2022 and similar rules applied under Directive 1999/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 on certain aspects of the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees. to contracts conclude before that date. 5 For example, in Ireland national law goes beyond the minimum requirements of the Directive and provides a general six-year limitation period for contract claims.”
  EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices · EU competences on consumer protection and product standards
• 2024-10-30 “P-002325/2024 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission requested a Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) 1 , an independent report published on 29 March 2021 that analyses in detail the economic, social, environmental and human rights impacts of the agreement with the Mercosur. According to the report, the agreement will have a positive impact on the economies of both the EU and the Mercosur countries, raising wages and contributing to a reduction in inequalities. At the same time, the impact on sensitive agri-food sectors in the EU would be limited. Moreover, the Commission has recently carried out an assessment on the cumulative impact of upcoming trade agreements 2 , which produces results consistent with the Mercosur SIA. It projects a reduction of EU beef production and price of 0.9% and 2.4% respectively due to the implementation of the ten free trade agreements covered by the study. These two studies deliver results at EU level. On the other hand, the Irish government requested an independent Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment for Ireland of the EU-Mercosur Trade agreement, which includes the assessment of an impact of the agreement on Irish beef producers 3 . That study finds that small additional beef quantities are expected to come from the Mercosur due to the agreement, but the amount will be limited and is manageable. For the Irish beef sector, an upper end estimate of the impact on production is a 0.08% reduction in output. 1 https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/analysis-and-assessment/sustainability-impact-assessments_en 2 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC135540 3 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1c8a6-economic-and-sustainability-impact-assessment-for-ireland-of-the-eumercosur-trade-agreement/”
  Trade relations with Mercosur · Import of agri-food products in the EU
• “(10:39:49 – 10:41:23): Thank you, chair. The 2 essential components for encouraging the next generation into agriculture are access to land and a viable, stable income. Everybody, I think, agrees on that. Coming forward with the finance and coming forward with a way to make it sustainable is the challenge facing us and the commission. In Ireland, we do have a number of government measures and tax incentives aimed at encouraging land transfer, both through permanent transfer and long term leases. But when you speak to people, I have done in the last number of weeks, they find the system sometimes to be far too complex and far too difficult to go through, particularly if you're starting out for the first time. Farmers like Sinead Higgins from County Of Wescomann who came to the parliament recently and spoke to me about the difficulties in accessing finance, particularly if you're a part time farmer. You have to work to support your family, not necessarily just to support the farm. And there are expenses and utilities for children's education facing both the man and the woman, of course. But it's not always difficult. It's not always easy to produce payslips to reflect what's necessary, to show at the end of the day you can take on the responsibilities involved. She tells me that farming at the end of the day must provide a weekly wage. That's the challenge, that at the end of a week on a Thursday or Friday, the person who's on the land can go home with a weekly wage. It's easier said than done. There are challenges ahead for us for us in terms of framing this, but I support the work of the rapporteur, congratulate her on the start that's been made, and I'll be coming forward on amendments on the key areas of funding and finance and tax incentives. Thank you.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Secondly, and crucially, we see again the disappearance of smaller, targeted funds such as the just transition funds. This sends the wrong message to people who spent years developing plans based on their existence in the Midlands of Ireland. In the Polish coal mine districts, communities that moved away from production rely on that ring fence support. It was visible, it was tangible, it said. Europe stands with you and your transition. Is it gone? Where is it? Is it in the NP? Can it be in the the rural target? Where is it? Explain to me please. Thirdly, on simplification, the court has made it clear that while the structure creates simplification for the Commission and the Member States, it does not translate into simplification for the beneficiaries. In a if a small farmer, a community group or rural SMEs still faces layers of bureaucracy that we have not simplified, we have just reorganised. So simplification must mean fewer forms, faster payments and clearer rules for the end users. And regrettably, I do not see those findings in these proposals at the moment.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “And we must we must offer this alternative to people rather than lose young people. We must be innovative in terms of how we deal with it. And even with renovation, you know, there are schemes in our country. I've mentioned them before here, which have worked reasonably successful in terms of derelict property, looking at derelict property to renovate derelict property there. Funding available in Ireland of 50,070 €5,000 to homeowners to to renovate their own property, 8000 homes have been renovated. I believe it could be as high as €80,000 if we addressed ourselves to the issues and perhaps increase the funding, make sure it was first time buyers or people on the housing list over there, because otherwise the schemes are difficult to cope with. There is a need for simplification. When I went to Nice in County Kildare, Hayley Curran from the Cooperative Housing Ireland reached out to me to seek clarity on this and pointed out the red tape surrounding retrofitting and upgrades. She said the funds are available but very onerous and complicated, and she said there's no one stop shop in Europe or in Ireland to access this information. So I argue once again, we must bring in simplification in key areas and we must focus particularly on renovation, which I think will bring chair earlier results. Thank you very much.”
  EU policy on urban development
• “Thank you, chair. I think the evidence is very clear cut. Our colleagues and farmers in Spain and the Netherlands, in France and in Ireland are feeling the pinch because of what's going on here. Ireland's Pigmeat sector is highly exposed to the Chinese market in 2024. We exported over 6000 tonnes of pigmeat. They're worth close to €100 million. So the anti-dumping measures on EU pork are not theoretical. They're already impacting Irish farmers, processors and rural jobs, and they risk turning agriculture into a collateral damage in a wider trade dispute. And it's not sustainable. My question is straightforward. What concrete steps is the Commission taking to challenge these tariffs? Will it provide targeted support for exposed member states like Ireland while accelerating market diversification? I've taken a note of what the commission spokesperson said. You know, if there are questionable allegations have been made against our produce, they've said there's insufficient evidence and it's unwarranted. Let's go further than just talking. Let's ask the WTO to take action like we did two years ago on dairy products. Let's move in and take action. The time for talking is over. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with China
• “Thank you, chair, and thank you to the rapporteur. And we're told that regenerative agriculture will enhance food production, protect soil health and strengthen biodiversity, while also increasing farm incomes. But how can this be achieved when the very structure designed to deliver it, our Common Agricultural Policy, is being continuously underfunded? The latest commission proposal would slash 83 billion from the cap. More for less simply does not work. And farming is aging. And while both the EU and national governments are well aware of this crisis, no serious proposals have been tabled to reverse this trend in income. Income is the key factor here. Yet policy is failing. So I ask, what concrete measures do you propose to make farming viable for young farmers? You refer in this paper to better land transfer conditions. But what does that mean in practice? And do you support the Commission's proposal to cut cap funding to farmers who reach the old age pension age? And while this income crisis deepens, the EU is advancing trade deals, as we know, as such as Mercosur, a deal that would permit vast imports of beef and other food produced under far lower environmental and animal welfare standards, competing directly with our Irish and our EU farmers taking the soil from under us.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Thank you very much, chair. And thank you to the panel for the contributions. Europe's population actually stands at over 450 million people. And women are in the majority at nearly 52%. But when it comes to agriculture, that balance disappears. And in our member state of Ireland, just 13.4% of all farm holdings are actually owned by women. That's the lowest rate in Europe, according to a study carried out by QGis and Maynooth University this year. Now across the EU, the figure is a little better 31.6%, but it's still far from equal in this regard. If we're serious about generational renewal and ensuring the future for farming, we need a policy shift to support women. And we need to ensure that there are meaningful things that could be done. Meaningful as in supporting with finance and otherwise, I'm talking about. I welcome the target of 60% Thames grant for female farmers in Ireland. More is required at European level. We must go further, including maternity and parental leave support for our farmers. I think we have to say that other sectors already provide these basic protections. And, you know, our Commissioner Hanson has talked about this several times. We'll ask him again this afternoon, maybe if we get an opportunity about this maternity leave, when are the measures, when are we going to have the real measures come about? Empowering women in farming isn't just about fairness, chair. It's about securing the next generation of European farmers. And I congratulate our president of Macra for a fine contribution on this issue.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you. Chair. I'd like to thank the panelists for their impactful interventions here today on this crucial issue. Colleagues, having spent over 25 years as a volunteer myself with Lions Clubs International, a charity working with the vulnerable and homeless, and indeed as a news correspondent for a national broadcaster in Ireland, I witnessed firsthand how housing challenges can devastate families and communities across rural and urban urban Ireland. Homelessness is a complex issue. It is not simple. At the heart of much of our homelessness is tragedy for families involved. There is no sometimes there is no straightforward solution, but it is up to us, the society, to do our best to support those involved. Today's panel brings together extraordinary expertise from across the housing spectrum. I would like to extend a special welcome to Professor Kenna, director of the center for Housing Law, Rights and Policy at University College in Galway.”
  EU housing policy
• “One quick question, chair, for the scientists as well. And that is along the lines in recent weeks, we've had undeniable evidence with regard to the use of antibiotics in our Mercosur countries. The evidence is there. Just like to hear from the scientists, in the absence of any evidence that there's a change in the culture. How can we look forward to trading from those countries with any degree of satisfaction about food safety?”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you, chair, and thank you to the Commission and the rapporteur for the background to the to this file. Chair, the Commission says the amendments to regulation 18 848 are indeed required because of the court judgment, and I hope they will deliver real simplification for organic farmers across the European Union. Farmers who choose organic production already operate under strict rules, and what they need from us as legislators is clarity. Proportionality, and an administrative system that supports their work, rather than adding further complexity. But this discussion must also be viewed in the broader context of the European food system and the farmers who produce the food consumed every day, both organic and non-organic. Organic farming represents roughly 11% of EU agricultural land, while organic food consumption is estimated at around 8 to 10% of the total food market. So that means up to 90% of the food consumed by our citizens is non-organic, produced by conventional farmers who also made very high production standards. So while protecting the integrity of the organic label is essential, we must also ensure that food labelling across the entire market is clear, transparent and trustworthy. A message must go out of this room this morning that all food labelling must be unambiguous in its detail. We have to send the message to the food safety authorities at member state level and indeed at EU level, that there is no room for confusion in this situation, we must have clarity.”
  Food labelling harmonisation at EU level
• “Sorry, chair. Now, on the aftermath of that, we had a major push towards simplification, and we would try to make sure things were not as complex as they were. As for farmers and for agriculture. And the European Court of Auditors tells us today it is worse. It is going to be worse if they go ahead. They speak of the new governance system, the new governance structure, the new coordinating bodies, and they make it very clear they will cause difficulty, they will cause confusion and they will cause delay. Will the commission listen to this? Does the Commission listen to anything we ask that they would we would we would have our Mercosur trade agreement considered by the European courts before they go forward. They ignored us last week, ignored us again. When are they going to listen? When are they going to go back to the basics as we sought in the Common Agricultural Policy, rewarding our farmers for food production and in supporting him in key areas of environmental schemes. It is hard to be positive except one thing. Chair, just one very brief point with regard to the school. Eu School Scheme I am a fan of this scheme and I think I support the move towards local procurement. If it's properly funded. Local food procurement is important in that scheme. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you. Chair. And indeed, I'd like to thank all of the experts for their excellent presentations. Chair, you have hit this issue on the on the button. You're you are trying to identify the share of the housing stock, which should be available to people who need to live in the area. This is the calculation you are trying to work on. We must get to the bottom of this on this committee. We all know tourism is a crucial. Tourism is a crucial revenue generator for many communities across the EU. But you know, whether it is along the Mediterranean Sea or the west coast of Ireland or indeed Portugal. It is responsible for huge revenue every year. But we also know, and we've heard evidence of this committee, that locals looking for a home pay the price for tourists wanting to have their perfect getaway. We know this. The crisis is increasingly acute in my member state, particularly in Ireland's Gaeltacht region, which is an Irish speaking community. Local native language and one of the unanticipated consequences of this has been its impact on our Irish language. Native speakers of Irish are forced out of Gaeltacht areas by people coming in, snapping up holiday homes or investment properties for short term rentals.”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Thank you. Chair. The so-called safeguard provisions in the Mercosur trade agreement are not really worthy of the name. They're designed to act only after a collapse in beef prices has already taken place. By that point, the damage to EU farmers, to rural jobs and to the market confidence is already severe. It's a reactive safeguard. It's not a safeguard at all. What do we need and what our amendments to the Inter Committee will deliver, I hope, is a proactive preventative measure. A minimum price threshold that cannot be breached. If imports threaten to push EU beef prices below that line, then safeguard measures must trigger automatically and immediately. This is real protection for farmers. It's real stability. We must also insist on something fundamental to your preferential access must mean full equivalence with EU standards on animal welfare, food safety, traceability, antibiotic and hormone use and environmental rules. If equivalent equivalence cannot be proven, then preferential treatment should not apply. That should be the rule. Finally, we must protect the premium beef cuts that determine farm viability right across our union. These margins keep family farms alive and working, and without them, entire regions will face decline. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you. Chair. European farmers are not afraid of competing on international markets. Our farming sector in Ireland has proven this time and after time again, we've broken into some of the most demanding global marketplaces and won significant market share for our products. We think of Kerrygold Butter, a global premium brand. Our Irish beef is served in Michelin starred restaurants right across the continent. We have achieved this success because we operate with full confidence in a fair, rules based trading system, a system that is fair to everybody, a system that respects the environment, guarantees high animal welfare standards and ensures hormone free equality. Food production. Now, I say to members of this committee today what happened today? The European Food Safety Authority has confirmed a recall of beef from eight of our countries in Europe today sent back beef, which allegedly came through an abattoir approved by the European Commission in Brazil to detect illegal hormones. It did not do its job because it cannot do its job because there is a culture of using antibiotics in this country. We must respect the results of what happened today. For a trade committee to proceed and ignore our own inspectors would be ridiculous. Equally, the thought that China is standing by to take over is ridiculous. We have gone this far. I begged this committee to respect the amendments that have been put down, and give us the time to look at this process properly. Thank you.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU
• “Power station. Closed it down. But they were not ready to transition to renewables. So in the car park of this power station today, they burn diesel oil in a peaker plant. This is crazy. It is nuts. So we must ensure member States are ready for this. Similarly, they now propose to take down power stations in my community and they have no major renewable project lined up. Instead, they say they will spend between 10 and 15 million taking away these power stations and the workers who have lost their jobs read reports in the newspapers that companies in India and elsewhere will buy some of the materials and the equipment from the old power stations and bring them to India. This type of report drives the people in the community absolutely berserk. They say what is where is where is the sense in this? Where is the organization? That is why, Commissioner, we need the commission to be centrally involved as we go forward. We need the Commission to take control of the Just Transition Fund and ensure it works for the people who lost their jobs. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “How will they answer that and show and respond to the particular pressures driving down prices or impacting access to quality protein? How will they reflect that? Have they observed any change in consumer demand for farm produce, meat products that can be linked to climate change concerns or climate related policies? Are they addressing that specifically in their response, in their advertising campaigns? What's their view on the emergence of lab grown meat and synthetic food alternatives to this year? Long term problem in promoting promoting our food in Europe alongside this type of advertising, and how might that impact traditional meat processing? It is their job to do it. And what are the industry's plan to better educate the public on the nutritional and health benefits of farm produced meat and animal protein products? This is the task ahead of you. I will work with all my colleagues and other shadows to ensure you get the budget, but you must also make sure the message is correct. Thank you chair.”
  EU policy on lab-grown meat
• “Thank you, chair and commissioner. I know you follow my social media. You told me reading about tweets in the past. So, you know, you read. I hope that I welcome this generation of renewal package. I think it's excellent. And your intention is good. You followed through on what you promised. You also know the real challenge is ensuring that the agri sector can provide a standard of living that returns, that makes the returning to the family farm an attractive option. Money. At the end of the day, I'm saying heritage is important. You're right. But money is at the end of the day will be the key decider here. At present. That's not the case in our member state. In 2024, the average industrial wage in Ireland was €44,200, while the average farm income was approximately €36,000. The numbers don't add up at the moment. This clearly demonstrates the scale of the challenge ahead. So I say, if we're serious about generational renewal, that income gap, that income gap must be addressed and addressed quickly by achieving a fair and sustainable price for the products on simplification has something to do with this as well. I welcome the progress that was made, but I am hopeful simplification will follow through. I look forward to that minimum payment for farmers going up from 2500 to €5000. But please don't give us any more bureaucratic self imposed regulations. We're full cbam deforestation nitrous plan extras. Farmers can cope with it.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• “Thank you, chair, and thank you to Mr.. For the presentation to us this morning. Um you know I think his opening statement summed up why we should be focusing with regard to cross-border cooperation. You're right. Cohesion funds should be there to foster economic growth and job creation. And you're right in saying indirect should be connecting people with a cross-border approach. The difficulty is that the Commission's proposals for the 2028 2034 MFF are not quite providing the funding or the or indeed the vision for this type of activity. They're presented to us as simplification and in fact, in reality, as far as I can see, there are centralization of EU funding at national level. And that means it's a hollowing out of the impact of regional and local factors, really. Um, and, you know, people reading this proposal have said that already in the cross-border regions where they see program managers see their own role as radically altered and funding streams, which have benefits for communities across the EU and for all intents and purposes, have been withdrawn. As far as they can see, around 540 programs are to be replaced by 27 NRP plans going forward and one Interreg plan, with the commission estimating a 30% reduction in administrative costs.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “I thank you, chair and colleagues, and thank you for the presentation this morning. Renew welcomes this practical approach and this practical proposal to protect, to restore and to maintain healthy soils across the European Union. I think this is exactly the kind of initiative we should support. It's practical, it's science based and grounded in the real experience of farmers and rural communities right across our union. Agriculture is already facing the effects of climate change. We know that flooding, drought and wind erosion, and we know that healthy soil performs better. It holds water better, supports stronger growth and gives greater resilience in difficult conditions. We've seen this on the ground. We should also remind ourselves that it can take a thousand years to create just one centimeter of soil, so that soil can disappear in one torrential rainstorm. This is why prevention is so important. So once soil is damaged, restoring it is neither quick nor indeed easy to do. What is especially positive about this mission is that it links research with practical action. It is not research for the shelf, it's research designed to deliver solutions that can work at the coalface of farming and make a real difference. So I'm pleased to say that I support this. And Ireland hosts a full mission aligned living lab to the Socrates project. It brings together the technological University of the Shannon with Ballyhara Development Clock, Jordan Community Farm looped together, and the Kraken Seeds Limited Company, all working together at the coalface of farming across Clare, Limerick and Tipperary. It's a very good example of how the European policy comes comes together with local communities and researchers to deliver practical results. Healthy soil is indeed the foundation of sustainable agriculture, food security and resilient rural areas. I wish you well in achieving the results. The goal of establishing 100 live labs in the EU, and I'll do my part to encourage more in my region. For that reason, renew is very pleased to support this proposal. Thank you.”
  Soil protection policy
• “Thank you, chair, and thank you, Commissioner. And let me say, firstly, I look forward to your visit to Dublin for the summit and the first housing summit, and I really look forward to to discussing the issues on the ground with you. Um, Commissioner, like many of our colleagues, I welcome this initiative, particularly the initiative to cut red tape and boost supply, reduce energy bills for households, and mobilising public and private investments to issues since December have been on my mind. How how is he really going to tackle? How is he really going to legislate with regard to the issue of short term rentals? And you've given us a bit more detail today. You're looking at the stress zones. You hands up! We can't touch the overall. We can't ban what? You're looking at specific categories. And I'm still wondering how you're going to legislate across member states to be able to do this. I welcome it because I think we we need a focus in in some areas and even in parts of the western seaboard of Ireland, as I've said many times in this committee where local people cannot buy homes, but people with the richest of this world can come in and buy a derelict properties and set up B&Bs under Booking.com or Airbnb, etc. it's most unfair. The other one that catches my eye is the is is action seven. Perhaps not so positive about this one. I was one of the people who asked you to go after the vulture funds Commissioner to to really try and be a bit more aggressive on this. I have to say, I don't see that in the suggestions and in the action plan. I see an awful lot of analysis and and greater transparency and peer learning, but I don't see anything with teeth to, to take them on.”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Thank you, chair, and good to see you, Commissioner. My apologies for missing your the start of your presentation. I was at your old committee, the committee this morning where we were talking about cross-border cooperation. Firstly, let me break my contribution into two parts. The good news? You did what you said you would do 137 programs, amend it in the mid-term review. And in my constituency, I'm glad to say the facts are good. There was a total of 61 million flexible within the fund, 47 million was redirected towards housing. This is exactly what we called for and I welcome that. I think it reflects the scale and the urgency of the housing situation on the ground. The problem for you, Commissioner and executive Vice President is now much broader. We have changed. I quote the European Central Bank who tells us that euro area inflation has now increased to 2.5% in March 2026. The world is changing. Since you started the mid-term review and there are implications for Housing Commissioner. Huge implications for housing. We discussed in our committee many, many times as vice chair, I highlighted the fact it's estimated we need 18 million housing workers in Europe to deal with the construction problem, the housing shortage.”
  EU policy on urban development
• “So I asked clearly, is the European Economic and Social Committee opposed to the Mercosur agreement, which is expected to come before this parliament, a matter a week? And finally, I raise the issue of the nature restoration law. It's been introduced without any meaningful financial support, and from a farmer's perspective, it is unworkable. Over 20,000 hectares have already been rewetted in my country. Yet every day farmers talk to me about the lack of consultation and the damage to the dear land next door where the soil they fear will be flooded. I say to the people involved in our country, Bord na mona. They must listen to farmers and words at the end of the day must be followed by deeds. If we are serious about sustainable farming, then ambition must be matched with funding and policy must be rooted in economic reality. Otherwise, we risk designing a future for agriculture with no farmers left to deliver it.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “(11:09:38 – 11:12:23): Thank you, chair. I welcome the work of rapporteur Salvatore DeMeo on this important report on the future of the EU's agri food promotion policy. At a time of geopolitical instability, a rising production cost, growing trade uncertainty, and equivalent standards of non EU food products, the EU must back its farmers and food producers with a promotion policy that is ambitious and practical and market oriented. First, must recognize the value of EU promotion policy in opening markets, supporting exports, strengthening quality schemes, and building consumer confidence in European food production and its food products. Secondly, the budget obviously matters. The restoration of funding to €206,000,000 is welcome, but this funding must be used with greater flexibility and responsiveness. It makes no sense to return funding which remains unspent. There should be scope to redirect funding to alternative and appropriate marketing programs rather than simply returning money unused. Thirdly, we need greater flexibility in implementation. Promotion campaigns often require long term investment and relationship building in export markets. And the shadow repertoire, I've discussed this with agencies such as our own BoardBEA, who agree on this issue. Duration restrictions, including these rigid continuation rules, can undermine successful campaigns. So where justified operators should be allowed to maintain activity in key markets. I'm also concerned, chaired by amendments seeking to exclude meat, dairy, and other animal products from the EU promotional funding. Europe's livestock sector is central to rural economies, food security, quality production, and our agricultural heritage. Promotion policy should, at the end of the day, support sustainable production and informed consumer choice, not discriminate against legally produced European food sectors. Finally, the end of the day, as the Grape D'Or has said today, the labeling on the country of origin is critical in my opinion in terms of this, this file. We must have clear unambiguous information on the safety, the origin of country, whether it be EU or non EU, particularly at a time chair when we know from the commission that Brazil has been excluded from the EU's approved third country exporters list with a with effect from the 09/03/2026 because it failed to provide sufficient guarantees on antimicrobial and growth promoter use. Consumers at the end of the day need to have clear labeling. EU or non EU provides clarity on these issues. Thank you.”
  Export of EU agri-food products
• “Thank you Chair and firstly congratulations to the European Economic and Social Committee for their excellent choice on this occasion. Members should know that Mister Boland comes to you with a record of commitment to development in rural Ireland over twenty years. This gentleman has fought the corner for community and regional development in Ireland even when he had to go back to the Irish government who was funding his operations in Rural Link. He was still able to defend rural Ireland and fight for the people in community for basic facilities. So I congratulate them on their achievement. Members should also know that Mister Boland comes from the just transition region of Ireland. He was living and working in an area where up to three thousand people lost their jobs due to decarbonization in the community. So he knows very well my own attitude to just transition and the work that has to be done. The work has started but I agree with Mister Boland that Just Transition Fund is not replacing the jobs that were lost in the same scale. It is not replacing the jobs. It is leaving areas with new jobs in tourism in other areas but not in the scale of the well-paid job that was there. So the challenge remains for the Just Transition Fund to attack that issue. We must do it. We cannot say there is no change in employment in that area. People are working, they are working in a city two hours away. Mister Boland knows that they're not working in that community. We must get them back working in this, in that community. And finally, like my colleagues, I am curious about the rural targets. We hear about now in the MFF discussions overnight the rural targets. What is the rural targets? You know, are we going to ensure that our funds for cohesion are ring-fenced? Our Just Transition Fund is ring-fenced? Our key programs are ring-fenced? That's what we need Chairman. We need to ensure going forward that our cohesion funds are not just thrown into one fund and scattered to the wind in each Member State. They must be ring-fenced for the good of our communities and the people we serve. Thank you very much. **Dragoş Benea (Romania, S&D) @Chair: So much and now I give the floor to Mister President Boland to answer the members' interventions.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “Mr. Rivlin, you come to Brussels with a great reputation as a builder who does a great job. But you also know the persona that goes with builders and developers. I think you're one of the first private developers that has come before this committee. And that persona, sometimes rightly or wrongly, is associated with making a margin and a higher margin and another, higher margin. So I have to put it to you this afternoon, that part of the problem, not just in Ireland but in Europe, is that builders and developers, maybe not you, but others who are hoarding land, who have land, thousands of acres of land, but are holding on to it and holding the market to a ransom, so to speak. I want you to address that, and I also. The problem is then, because how can private investors be encouraged to invest in affordable social housing if the cost is going up all the time and the cost of acquiring the units can be seen as too high in comparison with the investment, return, is not part of it your fault?”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you. Chair. I want to commend the rapporteur for his work on this file. We live in challenging times. Our farmers and our food producers face huge issues with regard to costs and new markets. So never before have the funds been used for the EU agri food promotion policy been more important. We need the budget of 205 million for 2026 to address these issues. And while I acknowledge the policy is doing well. There is still room for improvement. I want to see us achieve greater success, especially through better distribution of support for SMEs, which too often do not have the same access to these programs as larger organizations. And we must focus on informing consumers near and far that EU food is better for us and we must pay our put our country of origin and our products. We stand over the quality, the safety and traceability and the sustainability of what we produce. So why shouldn't we promote this message with confidence and be very clear, we're not here to promote products from places like Brazil or elsewhere within our EU budget. I'll be meeting Bord BIA in Ireland later this week to underline that fact. In general chair, we need. We must also not allow any EU agri food products to be excluded from access to promotional funding on the basis of what I describe as unscientific assumptions are that the consumption of certain foods represents a health issue.”
  Export of EU agri-food products
• “Thank you, chair, and thank you to the OECD. Excuse me for the analysis presented today. I want to focus my own intervention on the intersection between housing, employment and social policy. And I suppose how strategy is important and how policy can sometimes backfire, because I want to use an example from my own member state of Ireland that illustrates how sometimes good intentions can have unintended consequences. Ireland has recently introduced legislation that effectively, outside of modest increases, freezes rents for up to six years in large parts of the private rental market. The objective is very clear. It's understandable and well intentioned. It's to protect tenants during periods of housing stress and the cost of living crisis. We're all in favour of that. However, early evidence is showing that the opposite is actually true. Small and medium sized landlords who make up the majority of the Irish rental sector, are beginning to exit the market in significant numbers. It's making things worse. They are responding to a change in a system where, from their perspective, rising costs and decreasing revenues are making their business model no longer viable. Now, this has knock on effects which are detrimental to housing supply and which in turn increase the cost of rent. Furthermore, this has the potential to increase pressure on the state provision of housing where supply drops below a certain point. So I suppose my question I'd welcome the OECD's reflections on how member states could strike a better balance protecting tenants without hollowing out rental supply and ensuring housing policy supports both employment and social inclusion. And I want to apologize for not being here for your answer. I'm going to vote in the committee, but I will be taking a very close note of your response. Thank you.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you. Chair. Commissioner, I'd like to thank you for your participation at our committee today. It's an incredibly important engagement. And I'm glad you've you've set out the parameters of what you can do, what you might influence, and the ones in the middle. So I'm going to you've mentioned a few of them. I'm going to skip some of them in my speech because I think you've addressed them. But I'm going to ask you a couple of straightforward questions in relation to we know we have a major shortfall of skills and skill trainees in Europe to carry out this work. We have 13 million people, skilled tradespeople. We need 20 million to to build the houses of Europe. Specifically in your plan, what do you think you'll be able to do to assist that process? Starting and having it and and having the support of funding elsewhere from the European budget, perhaps in terms of we talked about even today in this in this committee, I'd like to hear if you have any plans in terms of putting in place a mechanism at European level to tackle the scourge of speculative investors and vulture funds.”
  Funding for vocational training
• “Thank you. Chair. Commissioner. I'm disappointed. I'm very disappointed. You said. I know what you set out to do, but you come in to us today and confirmed that you've let our budget slip. Our budget is gone. 20% is gone, 20% down. And at the same time, we learned that 131 billion is going into defense and space, five fold increase from what was available. Five fold increase. We are relegated. You relegated our industry. You had good intentions for young farmers. I asked you one questions. How do we now support young farmers if their payments are going to be reduced by 20%, how do we make it viable for farmers to stay on the land in those circumstances? So I ask you, how will this integration work with Member states? You know, you mentioned the integration. If the own resources are available, what if the resources are not available? Is that the end of programs that were previously ringfenced, such as leader, where are they going to be paid? Will they be paid for by a top up, by some magical top up from from the from the budget? I think we must we must ask for answered questions.”
  Agricultural funding
• “All products must show the country of origin, not just the logo. And I feel strongly that we must have absolute lack of confusion on this pact in Ireland means nothing on the front of a package, unless the country of origin is clearly identified for the production of the food and the origin of the food, we have to move towards that situation. And a key issue in this regulation today is the treatment of imports from third countries. European farmers, both organic and conventional, must comply fully with EU standards, so it's essential that imported products meet the same standards. This brings us to the distinction between equivalence and full compliance. Under the previous system, third country products could be accepted as organic if their standards were considered equivalent to EU rules, but equivalence does not necessarily mean the same rules apply to the production of the food involved, as my colleague has just raised. We ask the question of the Commission today are they satisfied with the system of equivalence truly delivers? Is the reciprocity. There are the same standards being followed. How will we know?”
  EU policy on country of origin food labelling
• “Thank you, chair, and thank you to the Minister. I wish you well with your presidency and the work ahead of you. I want to ask you some questions in relation to the cap delivery model and the GAC standards. Strategic plans were sold to US Minister as flexible and resource based, and instead they seem to be producing more bureaucracy, more inspections for farmers, legal uncertainty and gayak rules that bear little relation to real farming conditions. This is not a technical flaw, Minister. It is a policy failure. Farmers are dealing with extreme weather, volatile markets and unprecedented input costs. Yet under this cap they face rigid controls, inconsistent interpretation across member states, and the constant threat of penalties for rules that are often impractical or impossible to apply on the ground. So you've acknowledged some of these problems this morning in fairness to you. But it does not reduce inspections by just doing nothing. It doesn't cut back on paperwork. We need to give farmers certainty. And monitoring a failing system is not leadership. I ask you for leadership. If the delivery model is creating administrative bottlenecks and if standards are unworkable in specific regions and farming systems, then I think the presidency and the Commission has a responsibility to act, not at the next review cycle, but now. So my question is simple and direct. What concrete changes will the Commission make to the Cap delivery model and standards by when to reduce administrative burden, inspections and penalties for farmers? Thank you.”
  Agriculture (green)
• “Thank you chair. It's almost a year since I came to this house for the first time. Chair. But I'm never, never cease to be amazed by the double standards that go on here. It is true. The reduction in the use of antibiotics in food producing animals has been significant within the EU, falling by 28% in fact, between 2018 and 2022, according to the European Medicines Agency. And it's set to continue reducing, as we know, in the interest of human health. But I ask the commission today, will they enforce the same requirements on Mercosur trading countries, because we know, and can the Commission confirm they have read it, or will they address the concerns raised by the OECD in continuous reports going back to 2019, which found that Brazil had consistently failed to supply adequate data on the volumes of antibiotics used in animal production. This data gap should be of great concern to the EU as we seek to protect the health of our own citizens. I call on the commission to demand equivalent standards on all food imports, particularly from the Mercosur countries, which have failed to prove the true level of antibiotics they are using in animal food production. And we know this will present a major health risk to EU consumers.”
  Antimicrobial resistance
• “Thank you. Chair. I'd address both issues and respectfully request the time to do it adequately. The European organic sector stands at an important junction. Colleagues. Over the past year, two developments have converged the Commission's proposal to amend regulation EU 2008 four eight and the Court of Justice judgment delivered on the 4th of October. The herb area ruling did not create this legislative file, but it has sharpened its political and legal significance. The court clarified how EU organic labelling rules must be applied, particularly for products from third countries, and underscored that organic claims must comply with the requirements set out in EU law. In doing so, it exposed areas where interpretation remains complex and where uneven enforcement risks undermining trust. That's precisely where the current amendment package becomes essential. In my view. The Commission's proposal now under consideration in the European Parliament, including under the rapporteurship of Camila Lauretti, seeks to address targeted shortcomings in the existing framework, notably on imports, certification and control systems. These amendments are not about closing Europe off. They are about ensuring that the rules are applied clearly, consistently and fairly. Because if we want consumers to trust the EU organic label, then the label must stand for the same level of credibility, regardless of where a product is actually produced. The Iberia judgment has made one thing clear ambiguity creates legal uncertainty, uneven enforcement, and risks distorting competition. The legislative process now gives us the responsibility and the opportunity to respond with greater clarity and coherence. The court has interpreted the law. It's now up to the legislator to ensure the framework is robust, enforceable and fit for purpose.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU
• “Commissioner madam van der Leyen, last July you came into this Parliament and offered us a budget that left farmers with 20% less in their income. We rejected it outright. Last weekend you realised we were serious. You changed. You changed. You tried to pretend it was something else. But today you came in with a pig in a poke. Do you know what that is? You are offering us an opportunity to buy something. We do not know what it is. You told us today you were going to have rural targets in future. There will be 10% more. We need specifics. In fact, we need our old pillar two back. Commissioner, we need our pillar two for EU Leader Fund. And for all those other key issues in cohesion funds, we need specific funding ring fenced for our Member States. You started the process of just transition across Europe. You funded the workers who lost their jobs for the first 4 or 5 years. You cannot walk away now. You cannot say it's a matter for the member states. These are your policies in the first instance that left hundreds of people out of work. They rely on this funding. I say to you, we will not buy this pig in the poke. Start again. Come up with another plan. Thank you.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “And I'm disappointed you haven't taken the money when you asked for ideas. You asked for real ideas. So I'm going to give you one. Over Christmas, I had an opportunity to look at a proposal for a new green village in the Irish Midlands, Ballymore Investments, a busy London developer coming in, a developer that has transformed the old London Docklands, by the way, building 7000 homes across Royal Wharf, Goodluck Hope and City Island in London, coming into the Irish Midlands, saying they want to tackle this from the perspective of a green city. He's calling it a 15 minute city with a potential population to grow over four times what it is at the moment. It's 23,000 people at the moment and he talks. I rang him up and I said, this sounds terrific, what's the key to it? He said, In London I had one stop shop. I said, what do you mean? One agency dealt with me on the land access. One agency dealt with me on the planning and the permits. One agency dealt with me on the putting in the water and wastewater facilities. That was the key to the situation. Not ten agencies, not 15 agencies. I don't know how. Minister. Commissioner, you can work with our agencies and our member states in achieving that. But I believe the man I believe from his experience, we must simplify the process if we're going to to take this issue by the scruff of the neck and achieve, at the end of the day, I wish you well. I look forward to seeing you in Dublin and we'll make more progress.”
  EU policy on urban development
• “All products must show the country of origin, not just the logo. And I feel strongly that we must have absolute lack of confusion on this pact in Ireland means nothing on the front of a package, unless the country of origin is clearly identified for the production of the food and the origin of the food, we have to move towards that situation. And a key issue in this regulation today is the treatment of imports from third countries. European farmers, both organic and conventional, must comply fully with EU standards, so it's essential that imported products meet the same standards. This brings us to the distinction between equivalence and full compliance. Under the previous system, third country products could be accepted as organic if their standards were considered equivalent to EU rules, but equivalence does not necessarily mean the same rules apply to the production of the food involved, as my colleague has just raised. We ask the question of the Commission today are they satisfied with the system of equivalence truly delivers? Is the reciprocity. There are the same standards being followed. How will we know?”
  EU policy on country of origin food labelling
• “Thank you, chair, and thank you to Jahili of the European Economic and Social Committee for the work that's been done on this. I welcome your opinion on a number of aspects of the proposed post 2027 cap. And indeed, like yourself, I fully support the principle that the Common Agricultural Policy was, is, and must remain a policy focused on food production and food security. We all want the two pillar system back. How many times do we have to say it around this room, around this building, before somebody's going to listen to us? Because at the end of the day, this is the foundation of the cap and it must remain so going forward. A couple of questions on a very detailed paper on convergence and discursivity. While I understand the case for reducing cap payments at the higher end, we've heard it before. I would welcome clarification on the proposed minimum threshold of €5,000, alongside the maximum ceiling of €100,000. Is this approach based on Turn production, or on the amount of land owned or farmed by the farmer involved. And one wonders, at a time when the agricultural policy is under pressure and when we are trying to protect the family farm model across the European Union. I believe this must be implemented in a way that's fair and reflects different farming systems and does not undermine viable family farms, regardless of their size. And above all, the guiding principle must be that support goes first to those who need it most. Thank you.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• “In this context, I'd urge the ECB to recognise this as a housing as a crisis, not just in language, but in actions as urgent as any other crisis we're currently facing. Now, while I understand this is not a decision that can be made by the ECB, I would like to ask for your opinion on the possibility, as we have done in the past, for defence spending, of actually breaking the Stability and Growth pact for housing spending. Activating the national escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact would, in my opinion, allow member States the flexibility to deviate from spending targets without endangering fiscal sustainability. This would be a clear signal to all that it is time for action to deal with this crisis. I also grateful to my colleagues who have been watching your your presentation this morning. I want to ask you one question with regard to investor behavior in in Europe, and that is with regard to the investment funds and the big companies investing in apartments. We have had the Irish authorities here telling us that no apartments have been built in Dublin at the moment. Why? Why are there no investors? That's my question. Thank you.”
  EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
• “Thank you, chair, and thank you to both of our speakers for for an enlightening and concise summary of what's going on in amidst all the fog. Your presentation underlines, I think, a very uncomfortable truth for us in this room. The Commission's proposals risk just widening the gap between ambition and reality. In terms of EU agricultural policy, the cap cannot be expected to carry ever more responsibilities with an even tighter budget. People watching in this morning are waiting for the answer. Where are we going to make up the 24% loss in our single farm payment? That's a basic question. Where is it going to come from? And it seems to me the answers are far from far from clear. If the 20 2834 MFF does not provide sufficient resources, then the burden will simply be pushed on to member states, to higher co-financing expectations and more uneven implementation. I agree with my colleague here beside me. Maybe we should hear from member states how much money will they bring to the table in their NRP? Then we will know some member states will bring none a common policy. How can we have a common policy in those circumstances? So I think the overall the co-funding expectations are very important, and I think it would weaken the common nature of the Common Agricultural policy itself. So the time of growing uncertainty and volatility and pressure on farm incomes. I think this is exactly the wrong direction. A Europe cannot say agriculture is strategic at the end of the day. I asked one question of the panel is it not just renationalisation? That's what's going on here. Of the fund. Thank you.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Thank you. Chair. I suppose this is a phrase which says actions speak louder than words. Chair. And that's perhaps the most positive way I can start this contribution this afternoon by congratulating EIB and Vice President Harris and what they have done actually, since we were here last year. Um, on Friday, I was in Flanders and made aware of the support for the project you provided there. In October, you were in Ireland where you supported, as you said, a €400 million partnership project. What I loved about the project was the focus on providing a 40 year fixed rate finance project for the housing agency and the local authority customers, because I think this is true not just in Ireland, but around Europe, because it will allow long term stability for people. And I think it's a model which can provide a rental cost rental at at least 25% below comparable market rents because regressively in the period since we spoke July, you were here in July last year. Rent is still going up. And, you know, purchase prices are also going up throughout Europe. And in my constituency in particular, I'm faced with people on a regular basis telling me the average price of a home closer to the capital of Dublin is now half €1 million. It's an impossible situation for people who are allegedly middle class and cannot, cannot consider doing so.”
  EU policy on urban development
• “Thank you chair. And thank you to Doctor Hyland for the very interesting presentation this afternoon. Your statistics, uh, tell a tell a story of considerable difficulty for people in vulnerable, particularly in vulnerable situations. And I've met these people. I put faces on your statistics and you've described them so well this afternoon, last Thursday, I was in Barley Barn on the outskirts of Galway city in my constituency, and I met Corina, a mother of seven, living there, um, with six of her seven children still at home, the eldest, 29, and many of them working what she described as decent jobs, but cannot afford to buy a house in that city. Can I get a house? Um. And one other child not living at home, uh, paying €1,000 per month for a bedroom in a house where she said the landlord was not even registered. These are the victims of our housing crisis throughout the European Union. Not just an Irish story, but these are also the reason why we need to adapt an urgent approach to what we're doing. I'm pleased to say that in the course of the preparation of my amendments to our housing report, I've tried to address these issues and in terms of the emergency supports that are needed in these situations. Vulnerable groups come in all shapes and sizes. I met with Frances Hayworth from the Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services, and she explained to me, even within the level of support for vulnerable groups and vulnerable people. Technical issues and red tape often frustrate people in those situations. Very frustrating for them. If a woman is a joint name, for instance, on a tenancy and she removes herself voluntarily from that situation, then she goes to the bottom of the housing list. This type of critical issue is affecting people on the ground. We must be flexible and we must be support people. If it is a housing crisis, as I've said before chair, we need to act and act quickly to make it to ensure that we can bring some ease to those affected. Thank you.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you. Chair. I hadn't intended to to comment on this particular item, but the phrase the principle of the right to stay is thrown around this building like confetti at a wedding. And I often think sometimes we really don't understand the economic and political decisions that are or are needed to make any sense to us. Earlier this afternoon, you welcomed John Joe Fitzgerald, a hill farmer, a sheep farmer from County Kerry who comes here looking for solutions and listens to this debate and wonders, I suppose, if we're in tune, because he says initiatives like this and this type of move we're involved in must focus on environmental and eco schemes that are practical, accessible and are suited to extensive farming systems while avoiding excessive bureaucracy and administrative burdens. And I agree with him. He asked for Cap policies that encourage generational renewal through positive incentives rather than penalties or exclusions of of older farmers who continue to play a vital role in maintaining a cultural activity and supporting family systems. At the end of the day, farmers want the reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy and opposition to coupled payment systems that are increased complexity, compliance burdens and market distortion. That's what farmers want.”
  Agriculture (green)
• “At the European Union is facing one of the most serious food security challenges in modern times. Nobody doubts this now. The war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and rising oil, gas, fuel and fertiliser costs are directly threatening food production across Europe. Farmers in Ireland. They tell me clearly that the economics of sowing crops simply do not add up at the moment, if farmers cannot afford fertiliser and fuel, food production will inevitably fall and food security will be put at risk. This is why the European Union must act immediately. We need to reduce and suspend all self-imposed tariffs, levies and duties on fertiliser imports. These measures have been well intentioned. Commissioner, what you have brought forward today. But food production must come first. I say to you, Commissioner, I think you get this because you are from a farming background. The problem is not the long term. I think your solutions will work in the long term. The problem is the short term next winter. Last winter they bought the fertiliser in advance before the ban came in. They had stocked up. Now they have a problem. And I ask you genuinely to give us solutions which will deliver immediate and practical relief next winter and next spring for our farmers. Thank you very much.”
  Use of fertilisers
• “Thank you, chair, and thank you to the panel for their contribution this morning. Generational renewal, I suppose it's a posh way of saying handing over a farm. But as my colleague Benoit has just said a few moments ago, handing over what is it, handing over a fixed income? Is it handing over an income that a family can live on? Is it handing over a livelihood? And the Cap proposals suggest that in the present circumstances, it's not because with the reductions proposed of 20%, up to as far as 25% even, it's taking away that income and taking away the stability that is needed. And that surely is the greatest obstacle. I have two questions for the panel. We've heard a lot about bulk payments and upfront payments for young farmers coming in. I'm wondering, in your opinion, if there is anything the EU can do to address the significant age imbalance within the agricultural sector and accelerate generational renewal without those payments? What happens if they're not there? And do you believe the Commission's proposals regarding paid holiday sick leave, maternity and parental leave will help address the severe under-representation of young women in farming? Thank you. Chair.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• “You know, we we heard it again today. They are escalating the price of homes for our citizens. And we ask you, when your colleagues, what you can do specifically, it would be remiss of me not to ask you this week of all weeks, if you can ensure that a solid proposal for accessible housing is part of your plan. Accessible housing often a consideration that is forgotten. And we know my own member state 2000 people remain in nursing homes because they cannot find a house to live in to suit their disability. And finally, I want to talk to you about something the commission can do, perhaps at the council's support. What is your view on removing the EU deficit rules under the Stability and Growth Pact for investment in housing? We can do it for defense. Why can't we do it for housing? This is crucial. We have a crisis in housing across Europe. I would appeal to you to bring that sort of creativity to your proposal and to your plans. I look forward to the publication on the 16th of December. Thank you.”
  EU housing policy
• “We passed directives which ensure that a fire service on one side of a border, on one state can cross the border in a case of a of a major emergency. It's simple a measure, but it needs funding and needs support going forward. I regret that's not there at the moment. I agree, of course, what you say in terms of the need for cooperation with our immediate neighbours. Perhaps those of us not in the EU anymore. The United Kingdom was the one you mentioned and you're quite right from an. As an Irish MEP, I am acutely aware of the difficulties posed by Brexit and our ongoing relationship. And I say you're quite right. We need to sit down and have tangible relationships and fix fixed understandings with our partners in the UK to ensure that we can make a practical difference on either side of the border in those situations. And so, as I say, chair, we have we have lots of fine talk from our commissioner when it comes to cross-border cooperation, the importance of the regions. But it must be followed up now by specific measures with regard to giving us the MFF funding to make it make sense. Thank you very much.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “Commissioner, I went to the city of Galway, on the western shores of Ireland, on the periphery of Europe, to talk about your affordable housing plan with Mary Fran, just one of 4000 people in the city on the housing waiting list in the west side of Knocknacarra Community Centre. She told me the average price of a house there was €450,000. She says how could this be affordable in a city with these salary levels in that region? Your plan to attract additional public and private investment could be crucial. There, Galway City and County Council officials told me the land bank is there at Ardougne, on the edge of the city where they could build 4000 homes, but they need additional investment for the wastewater treatment plant. And I wonder, would your pan European investment platform help projects of this scale? I wonder, would the European Investment Bank really be able to offer an attractive enough interest rate to fund this? Simplifying state rules would undoubtedly help here. That is a fact. Empowering the A2 and other technology universities to build their own accommodation would help. Restricting those short term lettings in the stress zones would help. But what cities really need in these areas is the cutting of red tape in planning and permits. Local councillor Noel Thomas told me the hardship and frustration this causes and we must call on the Member States to grasp our opportunities to cut through the tape. Less red tape, more housing. Commissioner.”
  EU housing policy
• “Mr. president, Commissioner, it is one of the greatest crises of your lifetime and mine. Over the past eight years, average house prices around the EU have risen by nearly half, while rents have climbed by nearly a fifth in many households. Costs of the housing every month make up 40% of the expenditure. Now it is just not possible to go on. Many citizens are unable to find proper accommodation and end up commuting for hours and hours on end. Worse, again, we see students sleeping in their cars. I have seen this. So we have to act and act quickly. I brought almost 50 targeted amendments to this committee and I am very pleased that most have been taken on board. I am looking for a Reform commissioner of VAT legislation to allow member states to introduce a super reduced VAT on residential construction materials. I want to see us allowing fast track or modular apprenticeships to scale up the workforce in this badly needed area. And I am asking member states to support young couples by allowing for multiple dwellings to be built on family owned land in rural areas. These are pragmatic solutions. We have to remember what this is about. It is about Karina O'Grady from Galway City who lost her home in the crash. It wasn't her fault. Now she lives in a house. She's a mother of seven. All of them living at home. The oldest is 29. The eldest is 29 years old. It is a new generation of homeless people. And we have to stop this. We have to stop it now. Thank you.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you chair. First of all, I'd like to thank Doctor Colom and Doctor Martinez for their excellent presentations. Um, I think we need, ladies and gentlemen, a, a balanced approach to this situation notwithstanding what we've heard this afternoon about the variants across Europe. Short term rentals have exploded in recent years. According to Eurostat, in 2024 guests spent nearly 855 million nights in short term rental accommodations in the EU. This represents almost a 20% increase compared to 2023. So therefore, we must focus on what is going on. In my own country of Ireland, two thirds of all Airbnb listings are for entire properties and are concentrated in tourist hotspots across the West Coast in large cities such as Dublin and Galway, according to 2025 figures. This particular challenge in many years have come here to the Parliament from parts of County Galway and County Kerry. Brendan O'Brien, from County Kerry Gaeltacht, told me about the the problems they're causing because young people cannot find a home to live in these communities. These are places designated for Irish speaking communities. There are tourist hotspots being overrun by short term rentals, making it increasingly difficult for locals to afford homes.”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “So number one, they don't get a home. And number two, we lose the language of our country. This is borne out by figures colleagues. Over 106,000 people live in Ireland's Gaeltacht areas. In the 2022 census of Ireland, 63% indicated they could speak Irish. That's down from 72% in the previous census, and the local people are quite certain why it's happening. Even from Banu, which is an organization which advocates for housing policy reform in that area, has made it clear their language is under attack by people coming in, setting up short term lettings and Airbnbs. So inadequate planning policies and unchecked corporate acquisitions are causing difficulty, particularly for Airbnb style rentals. It is not a widespread problem, but it is a problem in some specific areas. We must face up to it in this committee. We must take on this, this challenge or we will have a people without homes and b we will lose part of our culture and our language, our native language. Thank you chair.”
  EU policy on urban development
• “(16:57:01 – 16:57:02): Thank you, chair. Across the European Union, farmers expected the commission to bring forward a serious and an effective response to the dramatic rise in fertilizer prices. Now while the measures announced are welcome, they do not confront the core problem. Farmers are already under immense pressure from soaring input costs, volatile markets, and uncertainty around food production. They need decisive European intervention, and, regrettably, I have to say they did not get us. Once again, the EU has effectively left member states to manage a crisis that is clearly European in scale. I acknowledge the Spanish government, which has delivered meaningful support for farmers facing exceptionally high fertilizer cost. That that shows governments can act when the scale of the problem is properly understood, but they should not depend on the capacity or the willingness of individual member states. This is a European crisis affecting European food production and food security, and it requires a coordinated European response. Is it acceptable that farmers are expected to shoulder these costs alone while Europe hesitates to act? The facts are stark. Fertilizer prices have increased by around 70%. Before the war, urea cost roughly €500 per ton. Today, farmers are paying over €850 per ton. No farmer can absorb increases of that magnitude. So the commission's proposal may be a step in the right direction, but it falls short of what is required. And that is why I'm proposing a clear solution today. All CBAM related revenues collected should be channeled directly back to farmers to a dedicated EU fertilizer support mechanism. If the EU is unwilling or unable to suspend the CBAM levy as a temporary crisis measure, then the least we can do is ensure that this money flows straight back to those who need it most. Chairman chairperson, commercial interests cannot be allowed to stand in the way of essential supports. Farmers need meaningful intervention, not half measures, and Europe's food security depends on us. We must act, chair, and colleagues, we must act. If we do not, we will have another crisis on our hands next autumn, next winter, and next spring. And because this time, our farmers and others have not been in a position to buy stock in advance, we will have a serious problem. Thank you.”
  Use of fertilisers
• “I'm wondering about the cost involved. How would you suggest addressing the build costs per square metre in the EU? Based on the recent surveys in Dublin, the cost of houses is €3,775 per square metre and for apartments 3414 per square metre. So, based on predictions that inflation will remain reasonably stable over the next five years. What can we do to bring down this cost? Across the EU, but particularly in Ireland, which is one of the highest in the EU. You mentioned it. So I'm wondering for example, would it support. Would you support a VAT refund to first time buyers who could amount which could amount to up to 40 or €50,000 in Ireland's case? And how do you see the expansion of the remit of the member States affordable housing delivery bodies being expanded to the delivery of private housing? So I understand this is under consideration by the Irish government on Thursday of this week. Given the finite supply of state owned land in suitable locations and the need to develop large scale housing projects in the near future, could this be seen as a method to deliver? And would it be in keeping with state aid laws? One wonder as well.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you, chair, and thank you to the panelists. I want to begin by complimenting Mr. Brady and your organization on the significant amount of land you have helped to facilitate into productive arrangements. Over a thousand agreements covering more than 80,000 hectares is indeed significant. And it seems to be a relatively new model. I have personally experienced the positive impact this approach can have, and I believe it's a model that should be fully supported both at EU level and national governments. My questions to you today are as follows. What is your view and what is the single greatest obstacle at European level to encouraging older farmers to enter into transfer arrangements, either long term leasing or transferring the farm to the next generation? Is it primarily a structural or a policy barrier, or, in your opinion, is a more cultural issue where older farmers are reluctant to step back because farming is their identity and their way of life? And is there a sufficient interest from young farmers who are willing and able to take up farming or, you know, or are they all gone to college? Are they all academically driven, or is the real challenge that the current generation is simply not letting go of their farms? Is this the problem? Have you seen the same level of interest from young, professionally trained female farmers? You know, is there a demand equal there? And if not, what would you suggest to address that imbalance?”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “All products must show the country of origin, not just the logo. And I feel strongly that we must have absolute lack of confusion on this pact in Ireland means nothing on the front of a package, unless the country of origin is clearly identified for the production of the food and the origin of the food, we have to move towards that situation. And a key issue in this regulation today is the treatment of imports from third countries. European farmers, both organic and conventional, must comply fully with EU standards, so it's essential that imported products meet the same standards. This brings us to the distinction between equivalence and full compliance. Under the previous system, third country products could be accepted as organic if their standards were considered equivalent to EU rules, but equivalence does not necessarily mean the same rules apply to the production of the food involved, as my colleague has just raised. We ask the question of the Commission today are they satisfied with the system of equivalence truly delivers? Is the reciprocity. There are the same standards being followed. How will we know?”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU · EU policy on country of origin food labelling
• “Consumers all over Europe are experiencing a significant and sustained surge in food prices. On the 20th of April this year, food price inflation had risen by 4.9% over just 12 weeks. This staggering rise is hitting households directly in their pocket. According to Ernst and Young survey published in May, the average Irish household is now spending nearly two €0 per month compared to 2021. That is an enormous burden on working families. Figures from the Central Statistics Office confirm a cumulative increase of 3.6% for 12 consecutive months. Everything is going up, Commissioner. Even the butter in our canteen outside has gone out. Gone up by over 5% since I joined this Parliament last year. We know that food inflation hits hardest. Those who least can afford it, the lower paid, the disadvantaged. At European level. We must be honest about this. We must look at all the key contributing factors to fluid inflation. We know energy costs and conflict can play a role, but part of the cost pressure is driven by the rush to implement climate targets in non-realistic timescales. Well intentioned they may be, but our aim must be to strike a balance between environmental responsibility and economic affordability. Food security and the cost of living cannot be sacrificed just in the name of idealism.”
  Climate efforts
• “That is why just transition as a fund plays an important role within cohesion. It is not about idealism, but about ensuring the plan and the change is achievable and fair. The commission's mid-term review earlier this year recognised this reality by expanding the scope of the fund and ensuring that, under certain conditions, just transition projects are entitled to another year to spend funds. This is good. The Regional Development Committee of this Parliament has gone further, proposing practical reforms to make just transition work even better. So, first and foremost, Commissioner, the Committee of the regions, the Regional Development Committee has made a strong call for a just transition to fund with adequate resources and firmly based on shared management and partnership principles. So, as you will be aware, the proposal from the Commission on the future MFF did not contain any proposal for a second fund. Colleagues, in order to bring citizens with us, in order to ensure no one is left behind, we must send a clear and unequivocal message. Today we need a second fund for just transition. We need it and anything less is unacceptable. We must continue the work we have started. We have also put forward a concrete proposal for the creation of special economic zones in the regions hardest hit by closures. Crucially, these zones will not be a quick fix. They will remain in place until such a time as the majority of jobs last locally are actually replaced in the local area. That is the key to this Commissioner.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “Thank you, chair. And thank you, colleagues. And happy New Year to all colleagues. And thank you, chair, for allowing me to raise a short matter over the course of the last seven days, chair farmers all over Europe have taken to the streets again to protest against the proposed EU Mercosur trade deal. On the streets of Poland, on the streets of Germany, on the streets of Italy, and at the weekend, over 30,000 people in my member state in Ireland issuing once again their concerns over food safety issues and the threat to industry and to livelihoods. Two quick questions for you, chair. On Saturday, we read not only of president von der Leyen's plans to sign a preliminary agreement, but we read a report that she will proceed to implement this agreement before we, as MEPs, get an opportunity to vote in the European Parliament. This is not only undemocratic, it's dangerous. It is setting a precedent chair, which I hope that members of this House will see. We are entitled to have our vote on this issue. Whether you're for or against, you are entitled to have your vote on this issue before the final matter, before the matter is ratified or rejected.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you, chair, and thank you to the Court of Auditors for their presentation. Although when one listens to us closely, there are words and phrases which are already causing concern in this committee this afternoon, it will be complex. They tell us there are no clear links between funding and results in some areas, and they've highlighted the weakness in impact indicators. Colleagues, this regulation will have a direct impact on farmers, particularly because a substantial part of the EU budget is devoted to the Common Agricultural Policy. Farmers are already subject to extensive rules, inspections and targets under the Cap payments, including on animal welfare, environmental standards and indeed land management. They're already doing their part, and they've already they're already carrying out a significant administrative burden. So I ask, can we assure EU and Irish farmers that this proposal will not lead to more inspections, more audits, or indeed more red tape? We all support transparency and public accountability in how our EU funds are spent, but this must not translate into additional administrative work for farmers or indeed for member states responsible for administering these programmes. So the key mission here must be to true, must be to remain on simplification. That goal cannot be secondary. It must remain our priority. Thank you.”
  Agriculture (green)
• “Thank you. Chair, I want to speak plainly about this proposal. In my view, it amounts to what's really the terms and conditions of the new cap payment for 2028 to 2034. And when we talk about terms and conditions, we must remember who is expected to live under them. Farmers right across Europe, farmers in Ireland, the people who produce food that keeps our citizens fed every single day. Now these farmers listen carefully. When Commissioner Hansen spoke about the new cap, many understood him to say that the future policy would reduce bureaucracy, would restore fairness and put food production back at the centre of cap. This is what farmers were told to expect. But there is another point that must be absolutely clear Irish and European farmers cannot tolerate additional environmental requirements unless they are properly paid for. As an extra measure, if new actions are needed, they must be funded as additional commitments not slipped in as new conditions that farmers must meet must meet just to receive the basic payment. So I say farmers cannot carry unfunded obligations. They cannot continue producing food for Europe while absorbing extra costs that are not recognized or compensated for. Thank you.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• “Thank you, chair. And thank you to our experts for coming to us this afternoon with a comprehensive outline of the of the circumstances and the and for information which which shows how complex the situation is across Europe. I have a couple of questions, Mr. Coleman, but in fairness to our panel, I should ask our panel members 1 or 2 questions as well. I think as Mr. Urgo referred at the end, the number of of derelict houses or houses which are out of use due to a lack of maintenance, I think it was slightly caught my attention. I wonder if you could give me be more specific, why or if any measures have been taken to try and deal with that situation? Mr. Coleman, Woman. I suppose the question is based on on the success of the Land Development Agency's approach to delivering housing. I am wondering, do you believe there is scope for a more structured cooperation between the public housing delivery bodies across the EU to share good practices and models? Could the LDA model be adapted or exported to other member States facing similar urban land and affordability measures? And is there a role for the EU investment bank and measures like that? Also, I'm wondering if, um, cutting down to the matter of the sums and all of this and coming back to the try and keep it simple.”
  EU policy on urban development
• “We can't put up with this. This would be unfair to producers Contrary to the purpose of this policy and damaging to the confidence in our agri food sector. I will be bringing forward amendments to deal with these issues in the coming days. But before I finish, I want to say one thing as I speak this afternoon, farmers and food producers and contractors are blockading the city centre of the capital city of Dublin and protesting at ports and major arteries in 14 major Irish towns because of the fuel crisis. Last week, the farmers and food producers in Austria did this, protesting the day after tomorrow there in Helsinki. Chair, we have to pay urgent attention to this situation. We need to urge our member States to take urgent measures, and we must face our responsibility in this House in terms of coming forward with new initiatives, whether it be a new resilience plan to support these industries or indeed reprogramming cap payments. These are the food producers who are bringing forward the products we can promote. Chair, if we don't support them, there will be nothing to promote and I object to people referring to these protesters as dissidents. As one idiot said on radio this morning. These are ordinary, decent people, food producers. We need for food security. Thank you.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Mr. president, thank you to all the contributors this afternoon. I was delighted to hear a commissioner talk about the 46% of the Just Transition Fund contracted and the 12 billion gone out to projects. But of course, as you have heard from our colleagues today, if we had greater simplification, a more straightforward system of applying less red tape. I believe it will be much higher. And I think we need to focus on that in the future. Many of my colleagues have raised very fair points. There must be a social dimension to the heart of, of of this budget and the policy, not just in housing but in other areas. We need that social dimension. We must, of course, include young people, and we must we must look out for them and in just transition cannot be left to member States. This is a crucial part. Commissioner, going forward, we cannot just say, here is the fund. Do what you wish with it. I have seen first hand what they do with it. Commissioner. It is not pretty in my region. They close the power station. Burning. Burning. Peat. Burning.”
  Conditions to access EU budget
• “Now, the implementation of article 29 under regulation 288, four eight goes to the heart of trust in our organic system, but also fairness, I believe, for our farmers. At its core, this is about how we deal with the presence of non-authorised substances. Do we take a rigid residue based approach, or do we assess whether the farmer has actually complied with the rules? The European framework is meant to be process based. It recognises contamination can happen through spray drift, environmental factors, previous land use or legacy residues, often outside the control of the farmer. Yet in practice, we see fragmentation across member states. Belgium. Italy have retained national residue levels under article 29.5. Initially, for example, products exceeding the general threshold of 0.01mg/kg cannot be marketed as organic, regardless of whether the contamination was intentional or not. This is precisely why harmonization matters. Colleagues, a farm are doing everything right should not face the the loss of organic status because of accidental contamination or factors beyond their control. The integrity of the organic label must be protected, but that integrity is not strengthened by disproportionate penalties on compliant farmers. So in conclusion, we need greater consistency in how article 29 is actually applied. I say clearer guidance for control bodies and a fair system that distinguishes between deliberate non-compliance and unavoidable contamination. Protecting consumer confidence must go hand in hand with protecting the farmers who uphold organic production every day. Thank you chair.”
  Maximum residue levels
• “Thank you. Chair. Commissioner, when we speak about the future of agriculture, some suggest only viable professional farmers should receive EU funding. But I cannot agree because in 2023, only 27% of Irish farmers met that definition. And I say so because I reject that approach, because that's where I'm from. I'm from the centre of a country. Arable farmland shares the landscape with peatland, which cannot be farmed. So part time jobs are part time. Farmers are a part of the landscape. That is the way it is. So we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to secure their future. Because when my late brother affirmed that land, he also prepared cattle for the factory. He also was part of the food chain. He played his part. The cap budget must be stabilized. We must look at this issue of investment with the same urgency as we do with the EU defense budget, and I must say, we must return to the core purpose of Cap supporting sustainable food production for consumers. Food security also means generational renewal. And I know you will deliver on this, but I say it to you a new entrance and retiring farmers need strong, targeted incentives at both EU and national level. And I say specifically a Cap package for new entrants that includes at least the minimum wage industrial wage. So they will stay on the farm. Thank you very much.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• “In contrast, in other parts of Ireland, Airbnbs are an important economic player. Noel, from Foxford in County Mayo, wrote to me in the last couple of weeks to point out that she rents her own self-contained flat in that part of Ireland. It makes an important contribution to tourism income in that part of the in that area. So all of our, all of our Airbnbs are not causing difficulties right across. As one of the presenters, the presentation said this afternoon, very clearly one fit does not fit all. Certainly one size does not fit all here. Therefore, I call ladies and gentlemen for a balanced approach to this situation. It is true there are good examples in Europe of where severe action has been taken. We must look carefully at the implications of that. We must ensure that really the winners are people, first time buyers and young couples who could not find a home. We must ensure they are our first priority. If it works in that area, we can learn from it. But we cannot say one size fits all. We must respect the property rights of homeowners as well. Thank you.”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “And I asked two questions today. Are you chair and is this committee going to stand by while this process continues? And and people move aside of sidestep our Parliament with haste to try and introduce this trade agreement. Put it in place. And secondly, last week, a number of red herrings and rabbits appeared from hats all over Italy. We were told for the first time of a new €45 billion contribution to the Cap budget. Only we found out after. It's not new money. It's old money. How is this going to be implemented? How will it affect our budget for the for the coming year? And how are we going to just stand by? And one day last week we were told that Cbam was being suspended. That amazing. This was later denied by the by the commission as well. So I would ask you, chair, if it is possible with the Commission to clarify immediately what is going on and how can we allow our democracy to be put aside by this rotten operation by the Commission. Thank you.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions