Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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225. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the recent proposal by EU Commissioner Phil Hogan to increase the EU budgetary contributions to 1.1% or 1.2%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1254/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) (2014-2020) provides a medium-term framework for financial programming and budgetary discipline by ensuring that EU spending is predictable and stays within agreed limits. The annual EU budget negotiations take place within the framework of the medium-term ceilings as established under the MFF.

As the current MFF is coming to the end of its lifespan, the European Commission is due to publish its formal proposal on the next MFF in May 2018.

While my Department has undertaken some initial preparations on the future MFF, it would not be prudent to comment on any individual elements without seeing the broader package within which they fit. My Department will continue to work closely with other Departments and will examine the proposal in detail upon its release.