Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Finance the instructions he has given to the officers of his Department who represent him on the groups dealing with Ireland's position on the next EU budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18387/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to the recently published Commission proposals on the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework for the EU post 2013. The negotiation of the next Multi-annual Financial Framework will be one of the key engagements for the Government at EU level over the next few years. Engagement in the negotiations will be an ongoing process and we will work effectively with partners to ensure the best outcome for the EU and Ireland. Ireland's approach will be guided by the following principles:

· The overall size of the EU Budget as a percent of EU Gross National Income (GNI) should reflect the agreed policy priorities of the Union, while keeping in mind the budgetary consolidation imperative faced by all Member States including Ireland;

· There should be a gradual evolution of the EU Budget expenditure rather than radical changes;

· The need for continued food security and safety would warrant only gradual changes to the Common Agriculture Policy; in this regard, Ireland is committed to maintaining a strong and effective CAP which will support a vigorous consumer-focused agricultural production base in Europe;

· We will be working to identify all possibilities for benefitting from available EU funds, especially in the Europe 2020 areas including competitiveness, productivity enhancing actions/measures (including R&D etc), cohesion and employment, climate change and energy, etc.

· In terms of financing, Ireland along with all other Member States will look carefully at the Commission proposals on alternative financing arrangements ("own resources"). Our view has always been that the GNI key provides the fairest and most effective base.

At this early stage, it must be acknowledged that the very detailed and comprehensive proposals set out by the Commission last week will be examined thoroughly by all over the months ahead. In this regard we will be studying these proposals very closely, listening to the views of all other parties concerned and seeking to achieve the best possible outcome for Ireland and the EU. In so doing we will work with all other Member States in a constructive manner on this important dossier.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Finance the representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach who sit on the tax strategy group. [18391/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Finance has recently been advised that the Department of the Taoiseach will be represented on the Tax Strategy Group by Mr. John Shaw, Mr. Mark Kennelly, Mr. Andrew McDowell and Mr. Martin Fraser.