Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1558. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to his Department and to each agency for which they are responsible arising from Ireland’s presidency of the European Council; the line items or events for which a cost is expected to arise and the estimated cost for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75257/25]
View answerIreland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of this year will be an important opportunity for Ireland to shape Europe’s policy direction, lead important aspects of the EU’s work, and showcase Ireland’s engagement, expertise and values at the heart of the European Union.
The Government committed in the Programme for Government to resourcing and delivering a successful EU Presidency. Major planning has taken place to date to ensure that costs are managed across all expenditure headings and prudent financial planning will continue throughout to ensure value for money for the Exchequer.
The breakdown of EU Presidency-specific allocations to Government Departments and State Agencies contained in Appendix 9 of the Revised Estimates for 2026 is published on gov.ie. My Department has been allocated €1.05 million for the EU Council Presidency. There is no separate budget allocation for State bodies under the aegis of my Department.
The funding being allocated for the Presidency is supporting additional temporary staffing needs in Brussels and in Ireland to deliver on the Council's legislative and policy agenda. It is also supporting delivery of the Presidency's extensive meeting programme in Ireland, and opportunities to showcase the best of Ireland to our partners from across Europe. This includes a number of meetings/events under the auspices of my Department, the details of which are currently being finalised with the co-operation of officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Office of Public Works and other relevant Departments. Information on anticipated costs in relation to these meetings/events is not available at this time.
