Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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33. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his priorities during the Slovakian European Union Presidency and how these priorities may have changed due to the result of the referendum on the United Kingdom withdrawing from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19718/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The programme of the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union is based on four priorities: an economically strong Europe; a modern single market; sustainable migration and asylum policies; and a globally engaged Europe.

A key issue for which my Department has responsibility is Cohesion policy. The Slovak Presidency intends to lead a discussion on European Commission proposals that will assess the benefits of the reformed Cohesion policy and outline areas to simplify and streamline it. Representing a Member State with more than four decades experience of Cohesion policy, I am keen to share Ireland's experience of delivering programmes with a view to seeing a greater focus on the objectives of the policy and an increased simplification for all those involved in delivering it.

Ireland was successful in securing more than €1 billion of Cohesion funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund for the period 2014-2020, an increase of 8% over the period 2007-2013. This includes Ireland's contribution to the North South PEACE and INTERREG Programmes and the Ireland Wales INTERREG Programme.

Following the outcome of the UK Referendum on EU membership, the Government has made clear its commitment to the successful implementation of the programmes. Immediately following the Referendum result my officials contacted the Commission as well as representatives of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Scottish and Welsh Governments to underscore our commitment to the programmes and to discuss how they would continue to benefit from EU funding.

As regards the outcome of the UK Referendum on EU membership, we have advanced, and will continue to progress, comprehensive contingency work across Government in order to define our national interests and work out how best they can be protected during the negotiations process. As negotiations are unlikely to start for some months, there is time for the EU and its Member States to prepare.

The European Council will of course play the decisive role in the negotiations, making all the key decisions. The European Commission will also have an important role to play, and the final package will require the approval of the European Parliament, but the overall political direction of the process will be provided by the European Council.