Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2026
229. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a detailed breakdown of his Department’s budget for the EU Presidency; the details of any planned gifts for attendees and dignitaries; details of any branded merchandise purchased; the details of events planned by his Department throughout the duration of the Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58601/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has committed in the Programme for Government to resourcing and delivering a successful Presidency. In line with that commitment, the Revised Estimates for 2026 included an allocation of €4m to my Department to cover the estimated costs associated with the Department’s responsibility for leading and delivery of the Presidency Priorities at both EU and International Level.
It is customary for modest mementos to be given, usually to senior-level Heads of Delegation at meetings in the host country, to strengthen goodwill and promote domestic craftsmanship . In line with agreed guidance, my Department procured gifts of Irish pens for the Heads of Delegation attending the Informal Meeting of Environment Ministers which took place in Dublin Castle on 24 July.
As part of staff engagement within my Department, the Presidency Team invited staff to vote on a design of a commemorative lapel Pin. The winning design was produced and distributed to all staff within my Department.
The final costs of the Irish Presidency to the Department will not be known until 2027, once all the work is complete and the final bills are paid. In the meantime, every effort is being made to ensure costs are being well managed across all areas.
Details of events planned by my Department throughout the duration of the Presidency are available at irish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/.
