Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
944. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she recognises the role of the proposed AgoraEU programme in supporting democracy, equality, civil society organisations and fundamental rights initiatives across the European Union, including support for organisations working with marginalised communities such as LGBTQ+ people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38479/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Culture, Communications and Sport is the lead Department on the AgoraEU negotiations. That Department has been closely engaged to-date in the negotiations on the proposal for a Regulation establishing the AgoraEU programme 2028-2034, which would serve as a successor to the current Creative Europe (C.E) and Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) funding programmes.
This Department is active in an ad-hoc inter-Departmental AgoraEU working group which has supported the development of positions on the programme. Working closely with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality has led coordination on the aspects of AgoraEU which relates to new CERV+ funding programme.
I recognise the important role that dedicated EU funding can play in supporting the fundamental EU values of democracy and equality. Within AgoraEU, the intended purpose of the CERV+ programme, as supported by the Council, is to promote and protect EU values. If adopted, AgoraEU would promote actions to address all forms of discrimination and intolerance, include those that impact LGBTIQ+ people. AgoraEU would also support the vital role of civil society organisations across the EU and seek to support a thriving civic space.
At its most recent meeting on 12 May 2026, the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EYCS) Council agreed a partial general approach (PGA) on the proposed Regulation. This PGA will be the basis for all future negotiations by the Council on AgoraEU.
