Matt Carthy
Question:199. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will report on his engagement regarding the EU Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027. [39895/26]
View answerTuesday, 26 May 2026
Questions (199)
Written answers
Negotiations are ongoing at EU-level since July last year on the Commission’s proposal for the next MFF covering 2028 to 2034. It is a key topic of discussion with my colleagues in Government, my counterparts in other Member States and in the EU institutions, both for Ireland as a Member State, and as the incoming Council Presidency.
My Department, jointly with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, leads the development of Ireland’s MFF policy, including through coordination across Government, ensuring Departments’ views and perspectives are considered. This work is done in close collaboration with other relevant Departments – in particular the Departments of Taoiseach, Agriculture, Enterprise and Public Expenditure.
Ireland’s priorities are thoroughly represented in my and my Government colleagues’ engagements with the Commission and our EU counterparts at all levels. These include but are not limited to: a strong and ringfenced Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy, the continuation of the PEACEPLUS programme in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, funding for competitiveness and research based on the principle of excellence, sustained support for Ukraine and continued development and humanitarian assistance.
The MFF negotiations will continue throughout Ireland’s term as Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026, where we will assume the role as honest broker with the goal of progressing the next MFF during the Irish Presidency. I will continue to engage actively with the European Commission and with Ministerial counterparts across the EU in the coming months, as will my colleagues in Government.
Negotiations in the Council are progressed through the General Affairs Council (attended by Minister of State Thomas Byrne) and the agreement will be finally made by the European Council and brokered by the President of the European Council.