With a week to go to the Agenda 2000 Summit in Bonn, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, met the Dutch Prime Minister, Mr Wim Kok, in The Hague yesterday.
The Dutch are among the more determined member-states demanding a significant reduction in their net contributions to Europe and a more equitable spread of funds.
During a short break from a working dinner, the Dutch leader told journalists: "Relations between both our countries are excellent but we are on different positions in all of this. We have had realistic discussions about possible solutions, taking our two positions into account."
Mr Ahern agreed that both countries sharply differed on aspects of financing Agenda 2000 "but we have to try and find the financial perspectives and mechanisms to operate the Community budget up until 2006".
He told the Dutch Prime Minister: "We in Ireland are realistic and we have done well during the 1990s. Our prosperity has increased and the resources the Community gave us to assist us in harmonisation have been used to very good effect.
"We know resources will be reduced for us in this round and, while we understand the position of net contributors like the Netherlands, our position must also be understood."
He said in terms of our own resources Ireland was open to discussions and meaningful negotiations. However, the fact remained that the CAP was hugely important to Irish interests.
"Eighty per cent of our agriculture is milk and beef so these are very important issues and the final resolution of these issues is vitally important to Ireland."
Asked how hopeful he was of a sympathetic ear from Mr Kok, the Taoiseach said: "We understand his case but it is important that he knows our case and this is what our discussions are all about.
"The determination of all now is to conclude this with a resolution that will make us all happy. What we want is an equitable settlement that is seen to be fair and is fair."