Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
2598. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science 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; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75251/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department will play a very active role in Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2026. The Presidency will provide a very important opportunity for Ireland to shape Europe’s policy direction, lead important aspects of the EU’s work, and showcase Ireland’s engagement, expertise and values at the heart of the European Union.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government committed in the Programme for Government to resourcing and delivering a successful EU Presidency. Significant preparation and planning has taken place to date to ensure that costs are managed across all expenditure headings and prudent financial planning will continue throughout to ensure value for money.
As part of the 2026 Estimates process, my Department engaged with Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and secured an additional €2 million to support the implementation of my Department’s EU Presidency programme. There is an extensive programme of events comprising Ministerial meetings, official-level meetings and Presidency conferences being planned. The funding requirement arising for each from the overall allocation is currently being finalised as part of the ongoing Presidency planning process.
The information in respect of aegis bodies, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document, should the Deputy wish to contact the aegis bodies directly.
