Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
874. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if Parkinson's, brain health and neurodegenerative conditions will be specifically included in Ireland's health briefs and agenda for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45116/26]
View answerIreland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time, from 1 July to 31 December 2026. The Irish Presidency will take forward an ambitious agenda, focused on the core themes of competitiveness, values and security: Ní neart go cur le chéile - Strength with unity.
The Irish Presidency Health Agenda, under the theme “investing in health to enable competitiveness,” reflects a strategic commitment to strengthening the EU’s global competitiveness while ensuring high-quality, effective healthcare delivery for European citizens.
The Presidency Programme is structured around three areas of strategic focus.
First, Ireland will lead discussions on the future of medicines, promoting innovation in life sciences, clinical trials, and regulatory frameworks to support both competitiveness and sustainable access to treatments.
Second, the Presidency will highlight evidence-based prevention strategies and address health inequalities. We will progress negotiations on the Council Recommendation on health checks for cardiovascular diseases which is expected to be published later this year; as well as facilitating exchanges on early detection and integrated care, and increasing focus on women’s health, recognising its broader societal and economic impact.
Third, Ireland will prioritise the implementation of digital health systems and data sharing. Progressing the European Health Data Space will be key, enabling secure, interoperable data use to support research, innovation, and the development of safe and effective AI in healthcare.
Overall, the agenda positions health as a key driver of competitiveness, sustainability, and improved outcomes across the EU.
While Parkinson's disease, brain health and neurodegenerative conditions are not specifically included in the Health brief, the Joint Meeting of Chief Medical officers, Chief Nursing Officers and Chief Dental Officers which will take place on 15-16 October, will focus on how incremental, early interventions across the medical, nursing and dental sectors can drive lasting change, exploring how a proactive life-course approach to health can transform systems and support long-term sustainability.
Alongside the official programme of meetings and events taking place during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, a programme of Associated Presidency Events will take place across Ireland and internationally. Currently there are two co-related events scheduled to take place:
• 36th Alzheimer Europe Conference on 27-29 October; and
• Neurology at the Forefront of Innovation in Knowledge Based Healthcare Across Europe on 22 July.
