Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Brown for her comprehensive explanation of the EU budget. Deputy Durkan mentioned the CAP, which I understand is facing a 5% reduction. Ireland is always going to have concerns about anything to do with the CAP. As CAP payments comprise approximately 75% of total farm incomes in Ireland, any reduction in subsidies will have a serious detrimental impact on thousands of farmers and their families. Obviously, reform is always welcome and necessary, but we would be concerned about the direct impact on the incomes of farm families in this country.

This budget is being framed in the context of the Brexit process, which is under way. The Taoiseach has said that Ireland would be happy to increase its contribution to the EU. It has suggested that this increase might be as much as €3 billion. I wonder what the officials' understanding of this issue is. Are increased contributions from member states part and parcel of the budget? What are the chances that member states will agree to this?

The "projects on the Border" exhibition, which came to Leinster House a few weeks ago, is funded by PEACE and INTERREG. Deputy Durkan touched on the concerns that exist with regard to the Northern Ireland peace process. It is important that funding continues to be provided for these projects. I would welcome any clarification in that regard.

The witnesses mentioned the common consolidated corporate tax base, which always sends a shiver up the spine in this country. I ask them to explain this further. Are changes in our corporate tax rate envisaged in the context of this budget? Any clarification that could be given in this regard would be welcome.