MEP Gallagher stresses the importance of a strong agricultural budget after 2013

- Newly established European Parliament committee on the EU Financial Perspective for 2014 to 2021 to hold its inaugural meeting this week in Strasbourg

Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP stated in the European Parliament last night that "as a member of this committee, I would like to stress the importance of maintaining a strong agricultural budget post 2013."

"The continuation of a strong agricultural budget will ensure Europe is well equipped to meet future challenges such as food security, the preservation of natural resources including the environment, job creation and most importantly the economic vitality of rural areas."

"Irish agriculture, our rural communities and the food sector in Ireland receives over EUR 2 billion per annum under the EU budget. Some €1.3 billion will be paid to Irish farmers under the annual Single Farm Payment Scheme, with the remainder paid through a number of co-financed Rural Development measures."

"The committee set up to examine the Financial Perspective for 2014 to 2021 will meet for the first time on Thursday. The mandate of the committee will last until July 2011."

"The consent of the European Parliament is required for the approval of the Financial Perspective 2014 to 2021 with the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty."

ENDS



6th July 2010