Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
350. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated cost to his Department and each agency for which he is responsible arising from Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council; the line items or events for which a cost is expected to arise; the estimated cost for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48363/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the estimates process for Budget 2026, my Department was allocated €5 million in respect of Presidency related costs. Of this, approximately €3.6m will be allocated to cover staffing costs, including in relation to an increased number of personnel seconded to the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union for 2026. The remaining €1.4m will cover the cost of hosting Presidency specific events in Ireland and Brussels, as well as additional travel and related costs for officials travelling to Brussels to attend and chair meetings. The substantial allocation reflects the scope of the intensive work involved across a broad range of subjects. My Department is responsible for a larger number of working parties and other council preparatory bodies than most other Departments, with the exception of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
An Garda Síochána will be responsible for the safety and security of all events hosted in Ireland during our Presidency, which will include 22 Ministerial level events, a meeting of the 27 EU Heads of State, and a meeting of the 47 Heads of State who make up the wider European Political Community as part of an overall programme of some 250 events.
This is a very significant undertaking and will involve significant additional overtime and related costs, additional training and equipment costs, as well as a requirement for the purchase of additional fleet and other specialist equipment. In addition, An Garda Síochána also has an increased presence in Brussels, with two additional members seconded to the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU for 2026, and will incur additional travel and related costs for officials travelling to Brussels to attend and chair meetings. An Garda Síochána has been allocated €125 million for Presidency-related costs.
The Judicial Council will host one conference as part of the Presidency in collaboration with the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN). The cost of the conference will be divided among a number of Government departments, the Judicial Council and the EJTN. Currently, it is estimated that the cost to the Judicial Council will be in the region of €33,200.
I have also been advised that the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will host of number of cyber related events during the Presidency, some in collaboration with the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. These events are expected to cost in the region of €300,000, which includes a large-scale Conference for up to 1,000 people.
I can assure the Deputy that all Presidency related expenditure is being monitored carefully and that any costs arising will be subject to prudent financial planning to ensure value for money.
