Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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86. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline her Department’s priorities in advance of Ireland holding the European Presidency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66302/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, 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 this Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.

Ireland's Presidency priorities and policy programme are 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 our priorities and policy programme, as will the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda through the current Presidency term of Denmark (July to December 2025) and that of Cyprus (January to June 2026).

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that stakeholder groups in Ireland have their voices heard. A consultation process with domestic stakeholders is also guiding the development of Ireland's Presidency policy programme and priorities. As a part of this process, my Department has completed a series of consultation meetings with stakeholders from across business, civil society, trade unions and other interest groups. In addition to this, a call for written submissions on the development of Ireland’s policy priorities, hosted on gov.ie, launched on 5 November and will run until the 12 December. This will ensure that all interested parties have the opportunity to have their say on the development of Ireland’s Presidency priorities.

I understand that other Government Departments are also 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.