Enlargement costs Ireland €13bn in three years

The European Union's Budget Commissioner, Michaele Schreyer, has said net cost of EU enlargement for the next three years will be €13bn.

Ireland will contribute 1.2% of this figure, with €21m being paid this year.

Speaking in Dublin today, Commissioner Schreyer has said Ireland will continue to benefit from the EU in numerous ways.

"In some of the funds Ireland will stay as net beneficiaries and of course Ireland will enjoy big advantages from the enlarged market," Commissioner Schreyer said.