Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the discussions that have already taken place at EU Council level regarding directing EU Structural Funds to areas that boost employment and growth; the way this applies to Ireland and if any action has taken place regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2042/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Commission published its proposals for the 2014-2020 round of funding on 6 October 2011. Under the proposals, the total Cohesion package would be valued at €376 billion, making it the biggest single element of the EU Budget. Discussions have been taking place at EU Council at official level since that date and I have attended an Informal Ministerial Meeting in Poznan and the General Affairs Council Meeting in Brussels last November and December respectively.

The future of cohesion policy is being framed in the context of the current economic downturn and the challenge of an integrated cohesion policy is to address this. The strategic direction for the future policy will, of course, be framed by the EU 2020 Strategy, which aims to support growth and competitiveness in the EU, and the EU Budget discussions. Ireland supports the goals of the EU 2020 Strategy. Cohesion Policy will be a key tool in the achievement of these goals. Interventions must be focused on creating employment, research and innovation, education, combating poverty and climate change and energy.

The Commission's proposals are detailed and extensive and we are still examining them in consultation with my colleagues in other Government Departments and State Bodies. The discussions at Council level have been intense and we expect the negotiations to be complex given the wider debate at EU level particularly in relation to the EU budget.

We have significant reservations about some aspects of the Cohesion proposals in relation to the financial management and control arrangements which could increase the complexity of fund drawdown. However, we are engaging in the negotiations in a positive manner and in a spirit of partnership as it is in our common interest to ensure a successful conclusion to the negotiations.