The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Timmy Dooley is representing Ireland at the AgriFish Council meeting in Luxembourg today (June 23).

Topics under discussion include trade related agricultural issues, and the simplification package for the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

With proposals on the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EU’s long-term budget, set to be revealed next month, Minister of State Dooley said it is really important the the CAP is maintained as a "strong focus".

He said: "I’m delighted to be here in Luxembourg for the last meeting under the Polish presidency. I want to wish them well in the work that they have achieved, and to wish Denmark all the best for the next phase of it.

"Ireland will take over the presidency in the later half of 2026, and we intend to have a very strong and robust presidency during that period.

"Today’s meeting will focus on some key trade issues. From our perspective, we’ve got to ensure that EU farmers have a level playing pitch on EU and international markets," Minister of State Dooley added.

The minister outlined that Ireland supports the steps being taken by the EU to address US tariffs.

He said: "Ireland fully supports the approach being taken by the European Union in trying to get a negotiated settlement with the United States.

"I want to raise the issue again of Ireland’s position, which is not in favour of the current Mercosur agreement, we’re concerned about the impact it will have on the beef sector," he added.

The minister outlined that farmers within the EU are expected to have "exceptionally high" standards.

He believes that the EU should ensure that any food imported from other jurisdictions achieve the same standards.