A Yes Vote on October 2nd next for the Lisbon Treaty is in the clear interests of Irish agriculture –



Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP for Ireland North and West today said “I strongly believe that a Yes vote for the Lisbon Treaty on October 2nd next is the right course of action to take for Irish farmers, our rural communities and the Irish food sector.



Under the CAP Health Check deal of last November, Irish agriculture will be receiving €9 billion between the years 2009 – 2013. This amounts to a figure of financial support from Europe to a level of €1.8 billion a year.



Moreover, negotiations are already underway concerning how the next EU budget for the period 2013 - 2021 will be spent.

These budgetary discussions concerning the next financial perspective in Europe will be concluded in the year 2011, which is only in two years time.



Ireland must positively engage in these discussions from a position of strength and not from a position of weakness.



A Yes vote on October 2nd next will ensure that the interests of Irish agriculture will be fully protected during these budgetary talks.



The Common Agricultural Policy is playing a key role in Ireland and we must protect CAP spending for our farmers into the future. We must stay at the heart of Europe.”



ENDS.