Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
139. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps his Department are taking to ensure that Ireland plays it part in strengthening European energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38391/26]
View answerFrom July to December 2026, Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union – a central leadership role at the heart of EU decision-making.
For six months, Ireland will guide negotiations, broker agreement between Member States, and help deliver EU laws and policies that affect the daily lives of more than 450 million people.
As Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, I will chair both the Environment and Energy Councils during our Presidency.
During the Presidency, my Department will strive to deliver sustainable, secure and affordable energy which is a strategic necessity for Europe. It underpins society, supports economic competitiveness and enables the delivery of the EU’s climate objective.
Officials in my Department have identified a number of files in the Commission’s work programme for 2026 that Ireland will likely lead on during our Presidency which will help to strengthen European energy security.
During our Presidency, Ireland will drive the EU’s energy agenda, including making meaningful progress on the European Grids Package, the Energy Security Regulation and other key files which will expedite the deployment of renewables and bolster the EU’s security of supply.
In addition, a key priority of Ireland will be to progress new files from AccelerateEU, the EU Commission’s suite of proposed measures to address the current affordability crisis. In particular, we await the legislative proposal on Energy Taxation and Network Charges, expected in July. These initiatives will lead to a more electrified, more efficient energy system that can lower prices for consumers.
We are already working closely with Cyprus to develop continuity from one Presidency to the next.
