EU Presidency

Thursday, 5 March 2026

Ceisteanna (492)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

492. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in her Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff her Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between her Department and parent companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18079/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026 will be an 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. The Government committed in the Programme for Government to resourcing and delivering a successful EU Presidency. Major 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. The Department does not plan to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in the Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term. As such, no potential conflicts of interest are foreseen.