Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
161. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the context of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the protocols that exist to ensure that only accredited diplomatic missions and authorised State representatives are engaged with or referenced in connection with official EU Presidency diplomatic activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50515/26]
View answerIreland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time for the period up to 31 December of this year. The Presidency is an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in leading and shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency.
Engagement on matters relating to Ireland’s EU Presidency is routinely undertaken through accredited diplomatic missions both in Ireland and in Brussels, EU institutional representatives, recognised international organisations and other relevant partners, as appropriate. The accreditation of diplomatic missions and representatives is governed by international law, notably the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and also in Ireland by relevant Irish implementing legislation.
My Department has procured and developed an accreditation system for all EU Presidency meetings taking place here in Ireland. The primary purpose of this accreditation system is to facilitate strict access control to EU Presidency meeting venues, in order to provide for the safety and security of all event participants and the integrity of the events. The system also supports the smooth planning and delivery of critical event logistical supports with a security dimension, including the transport of delegations. An Garda Síochána has been consulted on all aspects of this system.
To the extent that their involvement will arise in the context of EU Presidency-related high-level meetings held in Ireland, the details of relevant staff members of accredited foreign diplomatic missions will be confirmed with reference to records held by the Department for each of the individuals concerned and so that they may be duly accredited for the meeting in question as appropriate.
I am satisfied that these protocols provide an appropriate framework to safeguard the integrity of official EU Presidency activities and to ensure that engagement with recognised diplomatic representatives is conducted in accordance with international diplomatic practice.
