Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
344. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the steps Ireland will take, and argue for at EU level, in simplifying access to EU funds over the coming period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3138/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe systems for accessing EU funds are largely set at EU level, meaning they are proposed by the Commission and negotiated and agreed by the Council of the EU (Member States), and the European Parliament. This approach is important to ensure consistency in how funds are accessed and used across Member States.
My Department has responsibility for the Resilience and Recovery Facility (RRF), the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), PEACEPLUS and coordination of Ireland’s cohesion policy and matters related to cohesion policy funds in Ireland, including the European Social Fund + (ESF+), EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF), European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), Asylum Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), Internal Security Fund ISF) and INTERREG funds.
The administrative requirements for applying and drawing down of these funds are in line with the terms and conditions as set out in the Regulations governing these funds.
Ireland has in the past and will continue to argue for simple, and straightforward pathways towards accessing EU funds, while recognising that a level of safeguards are necessary to ensure they are spent appropriately. Ireland considers this to be an integral part of the overarching drive towards simplification and it is important to ensure our citizens and companies benefit from the EU budget.
The Programme for Government references this objective to reduce where possible the regulatory burden, simplifying EU rules for the SME and Farming sectors.
