Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The UK has obviously followed the same procedure as we have in terms of the reclassification of GDP. We were one of the first countries in Europe to do it and our bill is €6.5 million, while that of the UK is £1.7 billion or €2 billion. With regard to the UK's position, I noted what David Cameron stated, and I am sure as Prime Minister he chose his words very carefully. He made a point about the time. The Minister's suggestion is to compromise and allow an expanded timeframe for the UK to pay it, but pay it nonetheless. Does the Minister see any attempt to open up how the calculation of European contributions are made with regard to gross national income, GNI? Prime Minister Cameron has made this point and has suggested countries which do better than expected are penalised. From the Minister's point of view and an Irish point of view, is this a debate he would like to see closed down?