asked the Minister for Finance if he will state Ireland's contribution to the EEC budget in each of the past five years; what proportion of GNP this represents; and how this compares with percentages in other EEC countries.

As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

Might I ask the Minister if he could give me even the proportion of GNP and how this compares with other countries?

I have the comparative figures here for 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977.

1976.

For 1976 Ireland's contribution, as a percentage of GNP, was 0.37. The comparative figures for other countries were: Germany, 0.69; France, 0.55; Italy, 0.58.

Italy?

0.58; Holland, 1.03; Belgium, 0.98; Luxembourg, 0.66; the United Kingdom, 0.42 and Denmark, 0.52.

Would the Minister be able to let me know what would be the increase percentagewise of the amount being sought?

At present?

Yes.

No, I am sorry I do not have that figure.