Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2011
160 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance his approach in the coming months to discussions with other Heads of State or Government regarding the new EU budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18910/11]
Amharc ar fhreagra161 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Finance if he has submitted any documents to the European Commission or European Council regarding the next EU budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18911/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) for the EU Budget 2014-2020, proposals for which were presented by the European Commission to the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament on 29 June 2011. The negotiations on these proposals will decide on the maximum level of EU budget expenditure, the policy areas for expenditure and how this expenditure will be funded for the relevant seven year period.
The negotiation of the next MFF will be one of the key engagements for the Government at EU level over the next few years. I met EU Budget Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski in advance of the publication of the Commission's proposals to outline Ireland's overall approach to the negotiations, which will be a constructive engagement based on ensuring the best outcome for the EU as a whole and for Ireland.
Detailed discussions on the MFF are proceeding at official level and the Irish officials are playing an active role. At political level, the General Affairs Council has lead responsibility for the negotiation and will ensure overall coordination between the different sectoral Councils. The MFF was the sole topic of the Informal General Affairs Council in Poland in July. Ireland was represented by Minister of State Brian Hayes and the Irish position was outlined at the meeting. The ECOFIN Council will also be involved.
The key elements of Ireland's approach to the negotiations will be:
Ensuring that the overall size of the EU Budget as a percent of EU GNI reflects the agreed policy priorities of the Union, in particular the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, inclusive and sustainable growth, while keeping in mind the budgetary consolidation imperative faced by all Member States including Ireland;
The need to maintain a strong and effective CAP with a commensurate budget which will support a vigorous consumer-focused agricultural production base in Europe. This is one of the areas where the Union continues to add real value and shows real and positive impacts both for consumers and producers. There remains a pressing need for continued food security and safety which warrants only gradual changes to the Common Agriculture Policy;
Regarding the funding of the Budget, Ireland's view has been that the Gross National Income (GNI) key provides the fairest and most effective base for calculating Member State contributions. We would need to be convinced that the Commission's proposals in this regard are an improvement before considering any change in our position.
