Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
230. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Defence if she will confirm that adequate planning, advance notice and operational coordination have been provided to the Defence Forces in respect of Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency; if she is satisfied that sufficient personnel, funding and logistical resources will be in place to support all related security and ceremonial requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12483/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Defence and a member of Government, I can assure the Deputy that preparations for the upcoming EU Presidency have intensified across the whole of Government. It is important to note that responsibility for national security rests primarily with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána is central to security planning and preparation and it has established a dedicated European Union Presidency co-ordination office to oversee all aspects of operational planning, logistics and inter-agency engagement. I can assure the Deputy that the Defence Forces are in ongoing engagements with An Garda Siochána in relation to any potential assistance to be provided by the Defence Forces.
The Chief of Staff regularly updates me in relation to plans and preparations. However in the circumstances, it would not be appropriate to comment any further on matters of national security.
Question No. 231 answered with Question No. 184.
