Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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These are not negotiations. There are other things we are involved in that are negotiations but this is not one. This is all about doing an early draft of figures, sharing that draft with us and then the Commission completing its work. It is not a negotiation in the way that policy matters are negotiated. As to whether there will be a consequence, that is a matter for the Commission.

It could say, for example, that we have breached an expenditure benchmark. That is up to the Commission, however. It will publish an assessment of all of this, probably in May. I want to be open with the Deputy in saying this is not a negotiation. The Commission will form a view and then make a ruling in respect of it.