Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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119. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of formal and informal Council of the European Union meetings that have been held since 27 June 2020 under the remit of his Department; and the number of formal and informal meetings, respectively held virtually and the corresponding number held in person; if he or his predecessor attended each meeting, or a Minister of State or ambassador represented the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25664/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Since I assumed office in 27 June 2020, I have regularly represented Ireland at various formal and informal Council of the European Union meetings.

As Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, my Department’s remit is to lead on the Youth aspect of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (EYCS).

In addition, issues under my remit can appear on the agenda the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO). While this Council is led and coordinated by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, where appropriate I have also attended meetings under this formation. Some Presidencies have taken a focus on Equality and Gender Equality issues in the EPSCO Council, and I have highlighted in my response EPSCO meetings that have had a specific equality focus.

My Department’s remit can also appear as an item on the Justice and Home Affairs Council, but these have been covered by the Minister for Justice.

In addition to the work directly at Councils, I want briefly to highlight the value of Ministerial engagement at EU conferences. Last month I was delighted to attend the High-Level Conference on the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ people hosted by the Belgian Presidency. As we look forward to Ireland’s own Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, we are deepening our engagement with counterparts across the EU.