Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste. I asked that question originally in the last Dáil, back in June or July of last year, because there is some excitement about the Presidency coming to Ireland for 2026. Unfortunately, the response is kind of similar to what the Tánaiste gave then. I understand that there is certain stuff he cannot reveal and we are 12 months out from the Presidency but at the same time, the Tánaiste has said that the cross-departmental committee group that was established has met 24 times. Is there anything the Tánaiste can elicit that has been discussed at those meetings with respect to priorities?

I understand as well that while Ireland is in the Presidency, we must be conscious of the fact we are representing Europe first and foremost, and not just being parochial and national in our own self-interest. However, after 24 meetings I hope the Tánaiste could maybe reveal something or that he could even reflect tonight on key priorities for himself that, as he would see it, might dominate with regard to us publishing our own agenda.

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