Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2004
237 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken and intends to take to ensure that post 2006 EU funding to the Border, midlands and western region for infrastructural projects will at least hold to recent levels, in line with self-evident need, be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4740/04]
View answerThe Commission's communication on its proposals for the future financing of the EU, post-2006, published on 10 February last, will require close examination by all new member states, including Ireland. The same will apply to the third cohesion report, expected shortly, which sets out in more detail the Commission's views on how cohesion policy should evolve after 2006.
Deputies can recall that the negotiations on Agenda 2000, the equivalent process that established the EU budget framework for the period 2000 to 2006, took some two years to negotiate. We can expect a similarly lengthy negotiation on the communication now being made by the Commission for the post-2006 period.
The Government, of course, is very conscious of its responsibilities as Presidency of the EU in ensuring an effective and even-handed conduct of the negotiations. The main priority for the Irish Presidency is to initiate a process, or road-map, for the future negotiation, rather than to enter into detailed negotiation at this early point.
The Government's overall approach in the negotiations will be to seek to ensure that the final agreement is in the best interests both of the EU and of Ireland. In this regard, we will be fully committed to achieving a balanced overall outcome that takes full account of all aspects. EU cohesion policy is targeted at the poorest member states and regions of the EU. Given Ireland's very substantial economic progress in recent years, it is to be expected that the level of transfers to Ireland after 2006 will be significantly reduced compared to what we received under Agenda 2000. The Government will, of course, seek the best possible arrangements for Ireland's regions within the framework of the EU's overall cohesion policy. The Government is conscious in particular of the ongoing development needs of the Border, midland and western region, especially in the area of infrastructure. The Deputy can rest assured that the Government will keep the regions' needs to the forefront in the negotiations.
The Government is also conscious of the development needs of the new member states and will show solidarity with them by supporting substantial assistance from the Structural Funds and Cohesion Funds to them.
