Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
155 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the overall size of the European Community budget; his views on whether it should be increased; the way that this could be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24836/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe size of the European Union budget is governed by the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which specifies the limits for spending under the various budget headings for seven years. The Commission made a formal proposal for the MFF 2014-2020 in June of last year. This proposal, which provided for a maximum of €1025 billion over seven years, is now the subject of active negotiations between the member States, principally in the General Affairs Council. The Government's view is that the overall size of the MFF proposed by the Commission last June provides a good basis for negotiations. Many Member States are pressing for a reduction in the overall amount and this is a key issue in the present negotiations. Ireland wants a properly funded and properly functioning EU, with the right mix of priorities, fair allocation of resources and a focus on jobs and growth. The EU must have a budget that is fit for purpose. EU funds must be spent in an efficient and effective way, and streamlined with the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy for Jobs and Growth. At the same time, the Budget must reflect current budgetary consolidation imperatives in Member States.
In a related but distinct process, the Commission issued a proposal on 25 April last for the European Union annual budget for 2013, which is negotiated in a separate legislative process involving the Council and European Parliament. This proposal is subject to the overall limit set out in the current MFF (2017-2013), and was for a Budget of €138 billion in Payments Appropriations, an increase of 6.8% over the 2012 Budget. This proposed increase arises to some degree by virtue of the fact that 2013 is the last year of the current EU budget cycle 2007-2013 and consequently, there is a large number of prior EU payment commitments that fall due next year. The Commission's proposed budget will be intensively debated over the coming months and will require approval by both the European Parliament and by EU Member States in the Council before it can be adopted. Ireland will engage actively in this process.
