Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree that we need more investment in the European Union. During the period of the crisis there was a reduction in private investment across member states. In order to encourage investment we need stability in the Union and for its currency in particular. That is something that has largely been achieved. The agreement on a European Union budget will contribute to that stability and will hopefully encourage additional investment in Europe. The statement by President Obama on the prospects for an EU-US trade agreement was positive and will be very much part of our agenda.

We should also consider what has already been agreed. Some of the comments made by Deputies would lead one to believe money is being taken out of the European Union budget. The agreement last week was for a total commitment of €960 billion between now and 2020. That is a significant sum of money by any standard. We can all make the case as to whether we would like it to be more and it is no secret that Ireland would have liked a larger budget but it is a lot of money nonetheless. The choice faced last weekend was not between €960 million and a larger figure; it was a choice between a commitment to that budget between now and 2020 or no agreement at all. By any measure, it is preferable to have the agreement.

In regard to the issue raised by Deputy Martin on payments and commitments, a degree of flexibility is built into the agreement in terms of individual headings, the transfer of money between headings and the movement of money between one year and another. That flexibility will become an important consideration when we come to more detailed discussions with the European Parliament. We have already been holding discussions on the matter with the Parliament.

The Taoiseach and I have commented publicly on the announcement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, of his intention to hold a referendum and to make it an issue in the next British general election. It is ultimately a matter for the British people but we have made it clear that there cannot be 27 different conditions of membership of the European Union. The core conditions of membership are the same for all member states. While there is flexibility in the treaties - we have benefited from that in terms of protocols on various issues - we cannot have a European Union with 27 different sets of membership. The Taoiseach has spoken directly with the Prime Minister about the issue and I have spoken with the Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary. We are in ongoing discussions with the British Government.

Last week's meeting gave rise to an important decision for the European Union as we seek to emerge from one of the most severe economic crises to have faced Europe in living memory. It is significant that the European Council has reached an agreement on the Multi-annual Financial Framework. Leaders also adopted a comprehensive set of conclusions on trade related issues and external relations issues, including the Arab Spring, Syria and Mali. As the Taoiseach has made clear, the Multi-annual Financial Framework is a good deal for Ireland. We will continue to be a net recipient, CAP funding has been secured for direct payments and rural development and the challenge of youth unemployment has been recognised in the special allocation for the Border, midlands and western region and the new youth employment initiative.

I was particularly glad to see the focus in the outcome on youth unemployment. Together with my colleagues in government, including in particular the Minister for Social Protection, I have been arguing strongly for such a focus. We are working hard in the Presidency to ensure the youth guarantee is adopted and last week partners agreed that the Union's budget should be mobilised in support of these efforts. The new youth employment initiative will be open to regions where youth unemployment exceeds 25%, including in Ireland, and will make €6 billion available over the term of the new framework. This is a welcome recognition of the new realities for the Union and the urgent need to support those who have borne much of the brunt of the economic downturn.

I am also glad that €150 million is being provided for the PEACE programme, through which the European Union has done such good work in Northern Ireland and the Border region. I welcome that the funding devoted to the Union's external actions has been increased. The EU has a greater global role than ever before and this funding will enable it to discharge its responsibilities.

The bulk of this funding will be spent on humanitarian and development aid. Even at a time of economic crisis, the Union does not make the mistake of thinking that its responsibilities stop at its borders.

As Presidency, we will take on new responsibilities as we work on reaching agreement with the Council on the new money market fund, MMF, regulation and then on gaining the assent of the European Parliament to the regulation. This is no light task. I fully respect the role and responsibilities of the Parliament in the process that lies ahead and I assure it that the Irish Presidency will be a good and straightforward partner in the discussions ahead. The Council and the Parliament have a shared interest in a positive outcome. I firmly believe that the deal reached last week can secure the level of support needed in the Parliament.

With regard to trade, I warmly welcome the explicit appreciation of leaders of the key role that trade can play in supporting sustainable growth and jobs. Similarly welcome was the acknowledgement that while the EU remains committed to the further development of the multilateral trading system, our immediate focus must be on developing the Union's bilateral trading relations. Leaders went further in stating that priority in the EU's bilateral trade agenda should be given to negotiations that will provide most benefit in terms of growth and jobs. With regard to one of the EU's most important bilateral trade processes, the European Union-United States trade process, I was pleased to hear in President Obama's state of the union speech last night that the US Administration supports the launching of talks on a comprehensive, transatlantic trade and investment partnership. Progress on an EU-US trade deal represents very good news for the EU and for the US. The announcement in Washington last night resonates with what EU leaders agreed in Brussels last week, that the Commission and the Council should follow up on this strand of the EU's bilateral trade negotiations without delay and during the Irish Presidency.

I assure the House that as Presidency, we will make every effort to progress this agenda, including by seeking an agreement in the Council on a mandate for the negotiation of a free trade agreement, should that be recommended by the EU-US high level working group whose report is expected to be published today. This is a priority for us.

See this speech in context