Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Finance the contributions made to the European Union in each year since 2008; the level of contributions, if any, expected to be made in 2011 and 2012; if any discussion have been held regarding the suspension of these contributions during the period of the EU-International Monetary Fund programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1899/11]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland's contribution to the EU Budget is a charge on the Central Fund under the European Communities legislation. It is a requirement of our membership of the Union through the Treaties and related legislation. As the contribution is an obligation of EU membership, there are provisions for sanction of a Member State that does not fulfil these obligations. There have not been any discussions held regarding the suspension of these contributions.

It should be remembered that Ireland has been a net recipient of over €40 billion from the EU Budget since 1973 and we expect to remain a net recipient until at least towards the end of the current Multi-annual Financial Framework period 2007-2013. Ireland has been required to make Budget contributions since joining the EU, regardless of our position as a net beneficiary of EU funding.

The level of Ireland's contribution to the EU Budget is determined by the Financial Framework, the annual EU Budget negotiation between the Ecofin (Budget) Council and the European Parliament and our economic performance relative to other Member States. The Financial Framework provides the overall context and ceilings for the given multi-annual financial period, the annual budget procedure determines the level of spending in any one year for each EU measure, and this is funded by Member States through the provision of the Union's Own Resources.

Ireland's contribution to the EU Budget amounted to €1,587 million in 2008, €1,486 in 2009, and €1,352 million in 2010. For 2011 it is currently estimated that our contribution will amount to €1,365 million, although this will depend on a number of factors including actual budget implementation. For 2012 our budget contribution will again depend on a number of factors including the spending level agreed through the annual budget negotiation, actual budget implementation and the economic performance of Member States. Based on current expectations, our 2012 contribution is estimated at €1,475 million.