Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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171. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the central funding committed by Government to facilitate the delivery of a successful presidency for Ireland; the way in which this funding will be allocated to different departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55466/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The funding committed by Government to facilitate the delivery of a successful presidency for Ireland and the way in which this funding will be allocated to different departments, does not fall under the responsibility of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and this question is therefore not a matter for my Department.

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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172. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide information on the co-ordination of the EU presidency by his Department; the details of all cross-Departmental groups that have been organised and the membership of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55467/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. This will be an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency.

The Government discussed Ireland’s approach to the preparation of the 2026 EU Presidency in May 2023, and tasked the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with taking forward both policy and operational aspects of planning for the Presidency, in consultation with the Department of the Taoiseach. Two new Inter-Departmental Groups were established to coordinate Presidency preparations, focusing on the policy and operational aspects of planning respectively. All Government Departments participate in the work of these two Inter-Departmental Groups.

The Inter-Departmental Group on Presidency Policy Planning has been preparing Ireland's policy approach for the Presidency, taking account of significant policy developments at EU level which will shape the context for the work of the Council in 2026. It has also taken forward planning work for the range of meetings and events to be hosted by the Irish Presidency, as well as our approach to the management of the numerous Council preparatory bodies, committees and working groups that the Irish Presidency will be required to lead in 2026.

The Inter-Departmental Group on Operational Presidency Planning has been coordinating practical and operational planning for the Presidency. The Office of Public Works and An Garda Síochána also participate in the work of this group, which is being informed by ongoing consultations with other EU Member States and with the EU institutions.

Both groups generally meet on a monthly basis, and are chaired by officials from my Department. A joint meeting of the two groups to review overall progress in Presidency preparations takes place on a quarterly basis, and is chaired by the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence.