THE IMPORTANCE of a properly funded Common Agricultural Policy (Cap) for Ireland will be stressed when a cross-party delegation of Irish politicians meets Dacian Ciolos, the EU commissioner for agriculture on his visit here today.
Members of the Oireachtas Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Committee will have the opportunity to question him on his reform package when he addresses the committee in the Dáil at 10am.
Mr Ciolos is negotiating the future of the Cap after 2013 and is here at the invitation of Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith.
Mr Smith and Cabinet colleague Pat Carey are meeting Mr Ciolos at 8.30am to discuss issues relating to the Cap reform.
Mr Smith said he was very pleased Mr Ciolos was coming to Ireland at this important time in the negotiations as the commission finalised its thinking on the Cap after 2013.