47. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland's priorities during it's term of Presidency of the Council of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50296/26]

Ireland has officially begun our eighth term in the role of Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Our EU Presidency will be guided by the old Irish proverb “Ní neart go cur le chéile” – our guiding star will be strength with unity.

Until 31 December, we will chair the Council of the EU across all its formations, anchoring every negotiation in our core priorities of competitiveness, values, and security.

Through this work we will strive to translate high-level European policy into real-world prosperity, stability and protection for families, communities and businesses here at home and across the EU.

Among our objectives as we steer negotiations on the next EU long-term budget will be continued support for our farmers, fishers and rural communities, investing in peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and continuing the significant EU humanitarian and development assistance outside our borders.

Our work on the competitiveness agenda will focus on creating an innovation-friendly regulatory environment that drives strategic sectors—including semiconductors, biotechnology, and new technologies—while simultaneously prioritising support for our traditional, competitive farming and fishing industries.

Through our focus on values, we will ensure that we uphold fundamental rights and focus on those most in need of protection, with the safety of children online a central priority. We will advocate for an EU-level decision on the digital age of majority, champion robust, privacy-preserving age verification measures, and listen directly to children's views on their own safety.

Throughout our EU Presidency we will actively contribute to the ongoing development of the EU’s security and defence, including support for the mid-term review of the EU Maritime Security Strategy. Our focus on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, increasing maritime domain awareness and combating the shadow fleet is particularly resonant given the current geopolitical environment.

Here at home, we want to use this opportunity to promote a national conversation on Ireland’s enduring place in Europe and demonstrate how the European Union can continue to make a positive difference to people’s lives and livelihoods right across the country.