Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1559. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the priorities of his Department and each agency for which they are responsible for, in respect of Ireland’s presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75275/25]
View answerWork is continuing in relation to finalising my Department's priorities for Ireland's Presidency of the European Council later this year. My Department co-ordinates Ireland's engagement with the EPSCO, the employment and social affairs council, working collaboratively with the Departments of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Children, Disability and Equality. Officials are engaging to develop a programme that highlights and seeks to progress the Government's social affairs and employment policy priorities which are also priorities across the EU. Consultation is also ongoing with stakeholders with a very useful workshop with civil society held at the Department's Pre-Budget forum last year. In addition, officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are currently collating the views submitted as part of the public consultation on the potential themes for the Presidency.
It is customary that priorities for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers are not announced until shortly before the Presidency commences.
