Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
141. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will outline the way in which his Department aims to strengthen Irish influence across climate policies within the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38786/26]
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 prioritise efforts to deliver a resilient, resource-efficient and climate neutral Europe, while promoting environmental awareness, just transition and environmentally sustainable behaviours.
We will also 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.
Achieving our 2030 climate goals requires fundamental shifts in how we produce and use energy which ensuring that energy systems remain resilient, affordable and supportive of economic growth.
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 achieve our climate ambitions. We are already working closely with Cyprus to develop continuity from one Presidency to the next.
