Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
224. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for an update on his preparations for Ireland’s EU Presidency; the way in which he plans to oversee budgetary discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027 in a manner that will safeguard Ireland’s fiscal interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9727/26]
View answerA critical focus for us this year will be holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July. It represents an important opportunity for Ireland to shape and lead on European policy priorities, including the EU’s economic and financial agenda.
Ireland’s preparations for our Presidency are well underway across both policy and operations dimensions. The specific priorities of Ireland’s EU Presidency will be prepared in line with the EU Strategic Agenda for 2024-29 and will depend on the progress made during the Cyprus Presidency. We will take stock of this and the views of stakeholders before we publish our own Presidency Policy Programme in June. However, driving progress on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework will be an important focus for our Presidency.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and I jointly lead the development of Ireland’s positions on the Multiannual Financial Framework. This involves close cooperation with other Government colleagues.
Negotiations on the MFF are advanced through the General Affairs Council.
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council, which I will chair during Ireland's Presidency, focuses on the revenue side of the EU budget (own resources), and the management of the annual EU budget process.
The European Council, attended by the Taoiseach, provides strategic guidance throughout the negotiations and will ultimately reach political consensus among Member States on the file. The European Parliament also gives it consent to the MFF regulation.
As Presidency, Ireland will act as an honest broker and will lead negotiations in a manner that protects the interests of the EU, as will my colleagues across Government.
