137 Mr. R. Burke asked the Minister for Finance whether the Government will use its influence during the Irish Presidency of the EU to ensure the future of structural and cohesion funding for Ireland on an Objective I basis. [18588/96]

144 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Finance the net contribution by the EU to the Exchequer in each of the past five years; if he envisages any sharp deviation in this pattern during the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18491/96]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 144 together.

The net receipts from the EU in each of the past five years are as follows: