7. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister. [49735/26]

Sentiment score: 0.00

I welcome the Taoiseach's engagement over recent months with his counterparts in relation to Ireland's Presidency of the European Union. I am glad that he discussed with the Spanish Prime Minister the multi-annual financial framework. Within that multi-annual financial framework, the proposal by the European Commission in respect of CAP is totally inadequate. We have to have a properly funded CAP. In my experience, the Spaniards were always good supporters of the Common Agricultural Policy and having it properly funded. The Common Agricultural Policy was the first common policy of the European Union. By and large it has been very successful. Its aim has been to ensure a secure supply of safe food for the citizens of Europe. There are many challenges for our farming sector, for our food sector and also for our rural communities, and there will be huge challenges ahead as well. Under no circumstances can Ireland tolerate or countenance a reduction in CAP funding. It is very important that the Taoiseach enrol the support of all like-minded Heads of Government in relation to the need to ensure that we have a properly and adequately funded CAP post 2027 which is critical for our country.

Sentiment score: 0.39

Food security is very important.

Sentiment score: 0.54