Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - EU Presidency.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

212 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the total estimated additional cost likely to accrue to his Department and the Government generally, arising from the obligations of the Presidency of the EU in the first half of 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19850/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

In the 2003 Revised Estimates I provided €23 million for the 2003 costs of preparing for the Irish Presidency of the EU. These allocations are as follows:

Department-Area	€ million
Foreign Affairs	12.0
Justice, Equality and Law Reform – Office	3.0
– Garda	1.0
Enterprise, Trade and Employment	2.0
Environment and Local Government	1.7
Office of the Minister for Finance	1.7
Communications, Marine and Natural Resources	1.6
Total	23.0

The allocations for 2004 are being considered in the context of the discussions on the 2004 Estimates and budget, which are ongoing at present. The 2004 provisions for costs relating to the Irish Presidency of the EU will be included in the 2004 Abridged Estimates Volume which I expect to publish in November, as normal.