Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 1

Written Answers. - EU Funding.

Ray Burke

Question:

137 Mr. R. Burke asked the Minister for Finance whether the Government will use its influence during the Irish Presidency of the EU to ensure the future of structural and cohesion funding for Ireland on an Objective I basis. [18588/96]

Peter Barry

Question:

144 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Finance the net contribution by the EU to the Exchequer in each of the past five years; if he envisages any sharp deviation in this pattern during the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18491/96]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 144 together.

The net receipts from the EU in each of the past five years are as follows:

	£m
1991	1,853.0
1992	1,640.6
1993	1,791.8
1994	1,335.9
1995	1,480.2

The Edinburgh European Council in 1992 agreed the framework for the Union's finances up to and including 1999 in the financial perspective. Accordingly, funding to the end of 1999 is settled and is likely to remain broadly at current levels.

The Madrid European Council in December 1995 called on the Commission to submit a communication on the future financial framework from 1999 onwards, immediately after the intergovernmental conference concludes. This communication will begin the process of negotiating the new financial perspective which will apply from 2000 to 2005. The detailed negotiations between the Commission and member states are expected to commence in the latter part of next year and conclude towards the end of 1998.

While the issue will not, therefore, arise directly during our Presidency, the Government is monitoring all aspects of Ireland's position in relation to eligibility for Structural and Cohesion Funds post-1999. The Government is also developing its negotiating strategy and is taking every opportunity to influence EU thinking on the future of structural and cohesion funding so as to enable Ireland to continue to benefit to the maximum extent from these funds, in order to maintain and build upon our achievements to date.