Eamon Ryan
Question:29 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the reason estimated costs on hosting the EU Presidency far exceeded original estimates. [18713/04]
View answerWednesday, 23 June 2004
Questions (46, 47)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:77 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the estimated total cost to the Exchequer of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. [18585/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 77 together.
This is the sixth occasion that Ireland has undertaken the EU Presidency. Since the last Irish Presidency in 1996 there has been a significant increase in its workload, notably in the areas of common foreign and security policy and justice and home affairs. Ireland is also the first member state to preside over a further enlarged Union of 25 member states, with the addition of ten member states during our term.
It is a matter for each Minister to manage their Presidency arrangements. During 2003 the Government spent approximately €15.3 million on the additional costs associated with the lead up to our tenure as President. It set aside €60 million to meet the costs arising in 2004. Indications are that, with the exception of costs arising on the Garda and Office of Public Works Votes, expenditure will be broadly in line with the allocation. Expenditure as reported to end May 2004 was around €41 million. The additional costs are mainly attributable to the high level of policing and security work necessitated by the EU Presidency, additional meetings organised during its term and security costs for the major events. The costs will be met from existing resources available to the two Votes in the first instance. It will be some time before the final cost for this year is known as bills continue to be presented.
The costs, such as general staffing, training, accommodation, cultural events, communications and information technology, transport and security, represent once-off expenditure. They were deemed necessary to ensure an efficient and effective discharge of the additional functions and responsibilities arising from Ireland's EU Presidency.
On Ireland's behalf I congratulate all of those involved who have made this a successful and well received EU Presidency.
Questions Nos. 30 and 31 answered with Question No. 8.