Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 May 2024
73. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the work of inter-departmental groups tasked by Government with taking forward policy and operational planning regarding Ireland's holding of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026; the policy areas he views as priorities.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19724/24]
View answerIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026. Preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are progressing across both policy and operational strands of planning, led by my Department in close cooperation with the Department of the Taoiseach, and with input from all Departments across Government.
The Inter-Departmental Group on Presidency Policy Planning and the Inter-Departmental Group on Operational Presidency Planning have both been meeting on a regular basis to coordinate relevant aspects of our preparations. So far, these groups have met on a total of eleven occasions.
The Inter-Departmental Group on Presidency Policy Planning has been monitoring significant policy developments at EU level which will shape the context for Ireland’s Presidency, and has taken forward early planning work for the range of meetings and events to be hosted by the Irish Presidency in 2026, as well as our approach to the management of the numerous Council preparatory bodies, committees and working groups that the Irish Presidency will be required to lead in 2026.
The Inter-Departmental Group on Operational Presidency Planning has been considering the operational planning and resourcing implications of the Presidency for the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Office of Public Works and other Government Departments. This work is being informed by ongoing consultations with other EU Member States and with the EU Institutions.
It is too early at this stage of the planning process, more than two years from the start of the Presidency, to define specific policy priorities. Ireland’s policy programme for the 2026 Presidency will be developed against the background of the new Strategic Agenda for the Union for 2024-29, which is expected to be adopted by the European Council in June, and of the work programme and legislative plans of the new European Commission which is expected to take office later this year. The development of our policy programme will also have regard to the priorities of the new European Parliament to be elected in June, given the role of the Parliament as co-legislator in most areas of EU policy. The evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda through successive Presidencies over the next two years will also have a bearing on the definition of specific priorities to be taken forward by the Irish Presidency in 2026.
Overall, our policy priorities for the Irish Presidency will reflect the areas in which it is judged by the Government that Ireland can make the most significant and effective contribution to the advancement of a positive policy agenda for the Union and its citizens. This principle will also inform our work with partners to develop the overarching 18-month Trio Presidency programme covering the Presidencies of Ireland, Lithuania and Greece.
