381. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the reason a EU Presidency programme (details supplied) does not feature any Irish-based events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53618/26]

As Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, I was proud to launch Cultúr 2026: Sharing Ireland’s Culture, the culture programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.

As the most citizen-facing element of Ireland’s Presidency, Cultúr 2026 offers a unique opportunity to showcase the best of Irish arts and culture, both traditional and contemporary across both Ireland and the European Union. Events are taking place in every EU member state and will ensure that our European neighbours are left in no doubt about the remarkable wealth of artistic talent in Ireland today.

Cultúr 2026 includes events in every county in the country via the local authorities, encompassing family-friendly and community events, tours, screenings and workshops etc. This ensures that Irish citizens can participate in the Presidency and reflect on Ireland’s role in the EU.

In relation film the Programme includes:

• The General Assembly of the European Film Agency Directors (EFAD) 2026 takes place in November in Louth.  EFAD brings together national film and audiovisual agencies from across Europe, including government or government associated public bodies, in charge of national funding, policy and regulation of the audiovisual sector. European Members states as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Montenegro, Norway, the Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom will attend.

• Galway Film Fleadh celebrated their pairing with Estonia with Irish premieres of Estonian feature films and Estonian shorts, filmmaker Q+As, a dedicated Irish-Estonian co-production event within the Film Fair and networking between Irish and Estonian producers.

• Ardán, on behalf of Galway City and Councils, will host the UNESCO Cities of Film Subnetwork Meeting. This four-day international assembly will bring together representatives from UNESCO-designated Cities of Film around the world.

• Roscommon International Film Festival in October 2026 will present an Irish-Language Film Programme.

• An event in Cork in November exploring Irish and French co-produced films as expressions of European collaboration.

• There will be film screenings across the country as part of the local authority culture programmes.

I would encourage everyone to see what exciting cultural activities are available in their area – visit an exhibition, enjoy a screening, join a tour or experience live music. I want to thank every artist and cultural worker who has helped to realise this incredible programme.