Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2026
247. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way in which an organisation (details supplied) can engage in activities of the EU presidency; how they can contribute their knowledge for this period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50076/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Member State holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, Ireland has responsibility for progressing the EU agenda until the end of 2026. The Presidency provides an opportunity to spotlight issues where we have special expertise.
For Ireland’s Presidency, two cross-departmental groups, chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, are co-ordinating the preparatory work. Officials from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality are actively engaged in these groups, which focus on the policy and operational aspects of Ireland's Presidency.
Stakeholder consultations, which included the community and voluntary sector, carried out by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, informed the development of Ireland’s Presidency programme. The Department also supported consultations with young people through Seanad na nÓg in November 2025.
On September 24th and 25th Ireland will host a meeting of European Child Guarantee coordinators; colleagues from across Europe coordinating their country’s response to the European Child Guarantee, which aims to improve outcomes for children living in poverty and at risk of poverty. This peer learning event will cover the theme of Prevention and Early Intervention, Family Supports and access to services for children at risk at poverty.
A parallel Civil Society event will be held on September 24th; Break the Cycle – The Importance of Interagency Collaboration in Breaking the Cycle of Inequality for Children and Young People through Prevention, Early Intervention and Family Support.
Given the Childhood Development Initiative’s (CDI) wealth of knowledge and experience, I understand CDI will be invited to participate in September’s Civil Society event.
