Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

159. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his priorities for Ireland’s Cohesion Policy post-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27721/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Cohesion Policy is the European Union's strategy to promote and support the development of its Member States and regions. Ireland will receive a total of €1.3bn in Cohesion Policy Funds for the 2021– 2027 period and when the requirement for national matching funding is included the full value is almost €3.5 billion.

Cohesion funding is used across the country to support a range of initiatives including reskilling and upskilling, supporting SMEs, investment in research and development, and assisting in the just transition. It also supports the PEACEPLUS programme for Northern Ireland and the border counties.

Cohesion policy funds represent approximately a third of the overall EU budget. We are now entering a key period as we await publication of the draft Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposals and proposed Cohesion Policy legislative reforms.

To inform our policy priorities, my Department recently concluded a national reflection process on the future of Cohesion Policy, which commenced in January 2024. This nationwide consultative process included an online public consultation and an in-person stakeholder event. Over the 12-month period, we engaged over 90 stakeholders at national, regional and beneficiary levels. This was a unique opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and further develop relationships with those essential to successful implementation of Cohesion Policy.

Taking account of that process, priorities for Cohesion Policy post 2027 include that:

• the core focus of Cohesion Policy should continue to be the economic, social and territorial integration of the European Union – across all of its regions;
• it is adequately funded and its focus remains on the long-term development of our regions;
• there is simplification of the regulatory complexity surrounding the management of Cohesion Policy Funds to ensure that regulations support initiatives to promote jobs and growth; and
• in upholding the rule of law it underpins the single market and fosters trust and transparency and allows citizens and companies to thrive.

My officials continue to engage in discussions with the European Commission on a successor PEACEPLUS programme as we await publication of the draft Multi-annual Financial Framework and proposed Cohesion Policy legislative reforms for the post-2027 period.