Michael McGrath
Ceist:117. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the expected impact Brexit will have on Ireland's annual contribution to the EU budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14831/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 29 March 2018
Ceisteanna (117)
Freagraí scríofa
Brexit negotiations are currently on-going. Therefore, as the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to discuss those negotiations or the potential impact on Ireland's net contribution to the EU Budget in detail at this point.
Ireland welcomes that the UK has agreed to honour its share of the financing of all the obligations while it was a member of the Union, in relation to the EU budget (and in particular the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020), which will enable a positive future relationship between the EU and the UK.
My Department currently forecasts that Ireland's contribution to the EU budget will be €2,650 million in 2018, €2,675 million in 2019 and €2,750 million in 2020. It is worth noting that these forecasts are contingent on a number of variables, including updated GNI forecasts, the size of the overall EU budget for the year and other EU budget operational developments which will only emerge as the year progresses. As a result, all forecasts will be monitored and updated on an ongoing basis as new information becomes available. In this regard, a key element will be the European Commission's proposal on the next MFF which is due to be published in early May.