Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
262. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health to outline the health-focused, in-person events that will take place during Ireland’s hosting of the EU Presidency from July to December of this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12968/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the programme of events is evolving, in summary, there are currently four Ministerial High-Level events and five Presidency-based Conferences, that are being proposed during Ireland’s Presidency. These are consistent with the overall theme of the mutually reinforcing importance of health and competitiveness.
The four Ministerial High-Level events include:
• Informal Health Ministerial EPSCO Meeting (Dublin).
• Formal Health Ministerial EPSCO Meeting (Brussels).
• High-Level Ministerial Presidency Conference on Prevention, Innovation and Health Equity (Dublin).
• WHO-EU Cork Summit of Mayors on Climate & Health (not organised by, but supported by my Department).
There are five proposed Presidency-based Conferences on:
• Endometriosis & Women’s Health (Dublin).
• Clinical Trials and Medicines Access (Dublin).
• Digital Health and health data (Dublin).
• Mental Health in Europe (Cork).
• Bridging Worlds (research conference with a focus on One Health) (Dublin).
It is currently planned to host eight in-person Senior Officials meetings and six Officials meetings. All these meetings are recurring meetings held under each presidency.
There will also be a number of additional Associated Presidency events.
