Dáil debates
Wednesday, 24 June 2020
Post-European Council Meetings: Statements
2:15 pm
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source
The figures suggest there is approximately €1.9 billion and €1 billion in loans and grants, but this is not something we consider acceptable. When the two funds are taken together, we are talking about paying more money than we had previously, while we are seeking less funding in the Common Agricultural Policy, which is a key priority for us, and receiving an overall fund that we consider inadequate. We have stressed the position, and the Taoiseach made it clear last Friday, that we support the Commission's overall proposal. We think it is good, in terms of the overall balance of loans and grants and the size of it, but we believe that what we are getting out of it is not acceptable.
On the Brexit negotiations, there has been a slight shift and there is a more positive tone in respect of possible progress to be made over the next few weeks. Intensification of discussions will happen in July and August with some face-to-face meetings. From our point of view as to the implementation of the protocol, there has been one specialised committee and two joint committees, while a further specialised committee is due to meet in July-----
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