Barry Cowen
Question:113. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance the implications for Ireland of the outcome of EU budget talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23916/13]
View answerTuesday, 21 May 2013
Questions (113)
Written answers
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the political agreement on Draft Amending Budget Number 2 to EU Budget 2013 reached at the ECOFIN Council on Tuesday 14 May 2013. On 27 March 2013, the Commission proposed that Budget 2013 be increased by €11.2 billion, which the Commission has estimated as the amount required to meet outstanding payment needs from 2012 and expected payment needs in 2013. The ECOFIN Council on 14 May 2013 reached a political agreement to provide €7.3 billion as a first stage and to take all necessary steps to ensure that the EU's obligations are honoured in a second stage on foot of further information from the Commission on implementation, the possibilities for redeployment of funds within the budget and budget revenues. The ECOFIN also stated that this agreement would be formalised when the negotiations on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 are concluded and that ‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed’.
Ireland will contribute approximately 1% of the additional amount finally agreed for the EU Budget. However, in overall terms, under the current MFF 2007-2013, Ireland remains a net beneficiary from the EU Budget.