Preparations for the Presidency are now intensifying across Government. Our Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 is going to be a major national undertaking.
The EU Presidency will be a key opportunity for Ireland to shape and manage the EU’s agenda for that six-month period. Within the European Union, it is accepted that security and defence is a national competence and that any decisions as regards EU defence arrangements, including any deepening of EU co-operation, does require unanimity. To that end, I am working very closely with colleagues and we know exactly what we need to do to make sure that we have a successful presidency.
It is important to note that National Security rests primarily with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces’ role, as always, is to provide support to An Garda Síochána where specific capabilities are required under the Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) framework.
An Garda Síochána is central to the security planning and preparation. It has established a dedicated European Union Presidency co-ordination office to oversee all aspects of operational planning, logistics and inter-agency engagement.
Support during the Presidency may include security-related and logistical assistance from across the Defence Forces — the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps — in response to requirements identified by An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána maintain a strong working relationship, and engagement has already taken place in respect of preliminary security planning. Further engagement with colleagues in the Department of Justice and AGS will ensure early visibility of any formal requests for Defence Forces assistance and capability and options, if required will be assessed.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department of Defence has not engaged, nor is it intended to, with the Office of Public Works and Áras an Uachtaráin regarding a proposal to rename a section of the Phoenix Park.
