Ivan Yates
Ceist:41 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on progress in the Agenda 2000 process. [12399/98]
Written Answers. - Agenda 2000.
The detailed Commission proposals on Agenda 2000, which cover the future financial framework of the European Union, including the Structural and Cohesion Funds and the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, were published on 18 March. They have since been discussed at the General Affairs Council, ECOFIN and the Agriculture Council, and have also been examined at official level. Negotiations on the package are likely to be lengthy and to last well into next year.
The European Council to be held at Cardiff on 15 and 16 June will review progress made to date. It may firm up the timetable for the negotiations and may agree certain guidelines for future work on some of the less sensitive aspects.
While Ireland has participated constructively in the discussions, it has, like every other member state, vigorously defended its interests and will continue to do so. The Government, including my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Food, has made very clear that the agriculture proposals, which disproportionately disadvantage Ireland, are not acceptable to us in their present form. With regard to the Structural Funds, we have firmly maintained our case for continuing substantial funding for Ireland over the next financial period at a level which will provide for adequate transition arrangements and meet the needs of the whole country, including its less developed parts. We will continue to argue this case.