Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On the financial perspectives, particularly the elements dealing with agriculture, the overall agreement was excellent from our point of view because we expect that, over the next period, our receipts will amount to about €14 billion, while our payments will be €13 billion. We will not become net contributors until the very end of the round, based on present projections, and we anticipate, notwithstanding our economic success and increase in national prosperity, that we will hold this position, which would effectively mean that we will have been 40 years in the European Union before becoming a net contributor. That is an extraordinary achievement, based on our per capita figures.

Throughout the negotiations, as Deputy Kenny noted, we had a number of clear objectives, the main one being the future of Common Agricultural Policy funding. The agreement is very satisfactory to us. We never had difficulties with an examination or review of the process or the system but we had issues with that taking effect during the round and breaking the previous agreement. The position for which we and the French had effectively lobbied throughout the month, with some limited support from a few others, was maintained. They will begin that process in 2008 and 2009 with a review of the overall budget but the decisions will take effect at the end of the next financial perspective in 2014. That would be the normal position, even in this round. The Commission papers were published in 2003 and 2004 and there is always a long run in with these issues. It was the same in respect of the 1997 and 1998 papers and negotiations for the 1999 position did not start until 2000. That is a satisfactory position.

On the nitrates directive, I am well aware of the position. The Deputy would be best tabling questions but we believe that the position we have obtained following long negotiations is a satisfactory one, and this has been explained to farm leaders and in Europe.

On rendition, the position is clear because, in the view of the Government, we have categorical statements on behalf of Ireland, whereas other countries do not have these. After acting on our position on this, we received categorical assurances from Condoleezza Rice, which were confirmed by the embassy as late as last week. We are happy with those, although as I stated last week, we will take full account of all ongoing investigations, including the inquiries conducted by Senator Marty and others.

The position on Shannon has been made clear by the US authorities and, because the matter has arisen so many times, we have gone back to seek clarity on it. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, sought and attended a meeting last year at which he received categorical assurances with which we are happy. In line with international agreements, if there are no issues of doubt, one must stick with international conventions, which we have done. However, we did not just leave it nor have we taken up any cosy arrangements. We have stressed our position and concerns to United States authorities and to one of its most senior representatives. She has given assurances to us and we must accept them on that basis.

I have raised the issue of the early child care supplement, not so much to brief them on our position but to find out what other countries were doing and to find out how they were handling it. The regulation, EU 1408 of 1971, which is old states migrants from EU member states working in a country — in this case in Ireland — whose dependent children are resident in their own country are entitled to claim child benefit here in respect of their children, either in full or as a top-up if there is an equivalent payment at a lower rate in their country of origin. The regulation has been in place for 35 years and we were aware of it.

Obviously the numbers traditionally have been very low but they have started to increase. There are not many, quite frankly. I do not want to highlight this on the basis of an ad, but the numbers are small. We have to look at what other countries are doing and see if there is a need to do anything else. On the face of it, the regulation is very clear but I want to ascertain what others do. I do not mind us abiding by our situation with very small numbers. Somebody asked me today if we knew about this issue and of course we did because the new payment is based on child benefit. We will honour our commitments.

In the past, of course, this regulation has benefited Irish people. We were the substantial beneficiaries because Irish people emigrated to other EU states which had much more generous social welfare systems than we had. That was particularly the case in the 1970s and the 1980s, when Irish people were leaving in droves. The position has turned around. Recent benefit rate increases here, EU enlargement and net immigration have reversed the effect of the regulation. We have been advised that the reciprocal arrangement which has been in existence for over 35 years also applies to the early childhood supplement. In order to seek this benefit, the recipient must be working or self-employed. Therefore, it is not operated as a draw for persons who might simply wish to benefit from the social welfare system.

If we look at the broader picture, there are many reciprocal arrangements in place. Last year we received over €420 million for the Vote for the Department of Health and Children, mainly from our neighbours in the United Kingdom, in respect of health treatments here for people who worked abroad, including many Irish people.

I am interested in how other countries are handling this issue. We have taken a very generous position in the last few years, which was the right thing to do in our role as supporters of enlargement. In terms of what we have received, as I pointed out in my earlier reply, we will be 40 years taking from the EU before we give anything. Our aim is not to breach the rules but I always like to be sure we are doing what everyone else is doing. That is why I sought the information on what others are doing.

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