Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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143. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade as we prepare to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, if he will outline thematic priorities that have been agreed by Government for the Presidency, with particular reference to regional development, green transition and digital governance; the means by which Cork and the Munster region will be integrated into Presidency-linked deliverables, such as regional summits, pilot projects and EU funding calls; and the mechanisms being put in place to ensure that the benefits of the Presidency are evenly distributed beyond Dublin and the eastern region, to areas such as Cork and the wider south west. [59194/25]

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 in 2026.

Preparations are well under way, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in close coordination with the Department of the Taoiseach, and with the active participation of all Departments across Government.

Ireland's Presidency priorities and policy programme are currently being developed and will take into account the EU's Strategic Agenda for 2024-29, the legislative programme proposed by the European Commission, and the Government's priorities in relation to the EU.

Consultations with our European partners will also inform the development of the policy programme, as will the evolution of the Council's legislative agenda through the current Presidency term of Denmark and that of Cyprus next year.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that stakeholder groups in Ireland have their voices heard. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is currently undertaking a consultation process with domestic stakeholders, from across business, civil society, trade unions and other interest groups, which will also guide the development of Ireland's Presidency policy programme and priorities.

A written consultation process will also be launched in the coming period to ensure that all stakeholders and interested parties have the opportunity to have their say on the development of Ireland's Presidency priorities.

This process will allow consideration to be given to a broad range of different policy issues, including those referenced by the Deputy, as our Presidency programme is developed. This programme will be published shortly before the start of our Presidency term in June 2026.

As outlined in the Programme for Government, we will seek to bring some of the high-level meetings of our Presidency to cities and counties across Ireland, ensuring the entire country benefits from the profile the Presidency brings.

My Department is working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach and other relevant Departments and agencies across Government to plan the range of meetings and events to be hosted in Ireland during the Presidency. This planning work includes assessment of the suitability of a wide range of locations as possible venues for Presidency meetings and events, taking account of specific criteria.

The full official calendar, which will include details of all meetings and events forming part of the official programme for Ireland's EU Presidency, will be published in June 2026.

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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144. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government’s key strategic priorities and policy themes for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59270/25]

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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145. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether gender equality, social inclusion, or the advancement of women’s rights are expected to feature as cross-cutting priorities during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59271/25]

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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146. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he plans to include regional and civil society stakeholders in shaping and delivering Ireland’s 2026 EU Presidency priorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59272/25]

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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147. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland intends to prioritise peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and de-escalation efforts as part of its programme for the 2026 EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59273/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 to 147, inclusive, together.

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 in 2026.

Ireland's Presidency priorities and policy programme are currently under development, taking into account the EU's Strategic Agenda for 2024-29, the legislative programme proposed by the European Commission, and the Government's priorities in relation to the EU. Consultations with other EU Member States will also inform the development of our priorities and policy programme, as will the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda throughout the current Presidency term of Denmark and that of Cyprus next year.

A consultation process with domestic stakeholders will also guide the development of Ireland's Presidency policy programme and priorities. This consultation process is currently ongoing with stakeholders from across business, civil society, trade unions and other interest groups. A written consultation process will also be launched in the coming period to ensure that all stakeholders, and interested parties, have the opportunity to have their say on the development of Ireland's EU Presidency priorities and work programme.

Further to this, other Government Departments are engaging in sector-specific Presidency consultations with stakeholder groups. This process will allow consideration to be given to a broad range of policy issues as our Presidency programme is developed.

Following the conclusion of this process, the Government will agree and publish our programme of policy priorities for the Presidency in June 2026, shortly before the start of Ireland's Presidency term.

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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148. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the means by which Ireland’s policy of neutrality will inform its approach to EU foreign and security policy discussions during its 2026 EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59274/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's policy of military neutrality, as practised by successive Governments, means that Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. As the Government has stated on numerous occasions, there are no plans to alter this policy.

The global security context obliges us to take our own security and responsibility towards our like-minded partners more seriously than ever. For this reason, the Government is committed to ensuring that the right systems, resources and tools are in place to defend the State, meet the challenges of the future and work with international partners in a manner consistent with our policy of military neutrality.

Ireland’s Presidency priorities and policy programme are currently under development, taking into account the EU’s Strategic Agenda for 2024-29, the legislative programme proposed by the European Commission and the Government’s priorities in relation to the EU. Consultations with our European partners will also inform the development of the policy programme, as will the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda through the current Presidency terms of Denmark (July to December 2025) and Cyprus (January to June 2026). This programme will be published shortly before the start of our Presidency term in June 2026.