Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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9. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the preparations ongoing in relation to Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66737/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Ireland will hold the EU Presidency in the second half 2026. This is an important opportunity, and as the new Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am looking forward to engaging actively on our policy and operational preparations. I am determined that we will make the most of our Presidency to shape the EU agenda.

The priorities and policy programme for our Presidency will take into account the EU’s Strategic Agenda for 2024-29 and the legislative work programme of the European Commission. They will also be shaped by our own priorities across an array of areas including but far from limited to the protection of EU values at home and abroad, the enlargement of the Union, European security, and the competitiveness and simplification agenda, which covers a wide range of areas including housing and the delivery of infrastructure.

It is important to stress, however, that our policy programme will only be finalised and published shortly before the start of our Presidency term in June 2026.

I recognise the importance of ensuring that stakeholder groups also have their voices heard. A series of consultation meetings with stakeholders from across business, civil society, trade unions and other interest groups has recently taken place. 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 12 December.

Work is also underway to prepare for more than 250 meetings to be hosted in Ireland during the Presidency. These will include a summit of the European Political Community, an informal meeting of the European Council, and up to 22 informal Ministerial meetings.

The Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency. I am confident that in 2026 Ireland will be able to make a significant and positive contribution in leading the EU’s agenda.