Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
632. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport 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. [75259/25]
View answerIreland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026 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 Programme for Government commits to resourcing and delivering a successful EU Presidency in this regard.
Across Government, the funding being allocated for the Presidency is supporting substantial 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 all across Europe.
Under the estimates process for Budget 2026, my Department was allocated €1 million in respect of Presidency-related costs. Of this, approximately €0.5 million is being allocated to cover staffing costs related to increasing the Department’s number of secondees to the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU for 2026. The remainder of this budget (approximately €0.5 million) will cover the cost of hosting the Department of Transport’s modest selection of Presidency specific events – strategically selected to advance the EU’s transport agenda - and cover additional travel and related costs for officials travelling to Brussels and other locations to attend and chair meetings.
Major planning has taken place to date to ensure that costs are managed across all expenditure headings, and my Department is playing its part in the ongoing cross-Governmental effort to ensure prudent financial planning continues throughout to ensure value for money.
Noting that your question is relevant to agencies under the remit of my Department, I have referred your question to them for a direct reply. Please contact my Private Office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
