Vol. 408 No. 4
59 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline his views, in the context of economic and monetary union, on the provision of a new resource for the EC consisting of a new tax to be decided on by either the European Parliament or by some other European institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The question of amending the relevant Article in the EC Treaty, Article 201, which provides for the own resources of the Community, has arisen in various fora in the context of the Intergovernmental Conference on Political Union. Article 201 is of particular interest to Ireland as we fully recognise the need to provide adequate resources for the Community budget for the foreseeable future and in particular to promote economic and social cohesion.
I am prepared to examine any proposals to increase the Community's own resources, or to amend the own resources system, on their merits and having regard to the national interest.
