Coveney Welcomes Appointment Of New Agriculture Commissioner

Today Minister Simon Coveney TD has strongly welcomed the appointment of Phil Hogan as EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development by new Commission president, Jean Claude Juncker.

“ Agriculture has always been a priority for Ireland and this is an appointment that Government has made a priority. It is a very significant announcement for Ireland and is recognition of the role the Irish Presidency played in securing a Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) agreement last year ” .

This is clearly the appointment this Government had sought and been working on for the last number of months and I am delighted that today we have secured the position of EU Agriculture Commissioner. Ireland sees this appointment as securing a major economic portfolio with controls 40% of the EU Budget. This Government has prioritised Agriculture and Food as a major economic driver for the Irish economy and this appointment will help deliver those targets.

I wish Phil Hogan the very best in his new role and look forward to working closely with him.’