Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
206. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Taoiseach the estimated cost to his Department and to each agency for which they are responsible arising from Ireland’s presidency of the European Council; the line items or events for which a cost is expected to arise and the estimated cost for each. [75258/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. Preparations for the Presidency are well underway and are led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in close coordination with the Department of the Taoiseach, and with the active participation of all Departments across Government.
The Department of the Taoiseach's 2026 Revised Estimate includes a funding allocation of €627,000 under Subhead A2(VIII) to meet costs arising from Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
This funding includes a provision of €295,000 for increased operational costs relating specifically to the Presidency and €220,000 in respect of temporary staff assignments to assist with the work in the lead up to, and during, Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only agency under the remit of the Department. The funding allocation under Subhead A2(VIII) includes a provision of €112,000 for NESDO for costs related to their hosting of the annual meeting of European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Presidents and Secretaries General and Conference on Social Cohesion in Europe during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
