155. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for an update on Ireland's priorities and position with respect to the EU Market Integration and Supervision Package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53748/26]

The Market Integration and Supervision Package, presented by the Commission on 4 December, is an important part of the Savings and Investments Union with the overarching goal to accelerate capital market integration in the EU by removing barriers to the provision of services across the internal market. The ambition of the package is clear: to reduce fragmentation, increase efficiency, cut costs, and strengthen resilience by creating more integrated capital markets to the benefit of all Europeans.

Ireland supports the objective of deepening and strengthening the EU Single Market for financial services and recognises the important role that more integrated European capital markets can play in supporting investment, competitiveness, innovation and economic growth across the Union. The European Commission's Market Integration and Supervision Package forms an important element of the broader Savings and Investments Union agenda and is intended to reduce fragmentation in EU financial markets, facilitate cross-border activity and improve access to market-based financing for businesses and investors.

I have set out ambitious goals for our Presidency, reflecting the targets of the One Europe One Market roadmap. I believe the political will is there for the Irish Presidency to deliver real and positive change for Europe. This file is a key priority for me, and it is a priority for the EU. I am fully committed to trying to reach a Council mandate in October with my fellow Finance Ministers. Success will depend on the willingness of all parties to move beyond established positions and focus on our shared European interest.

Last week at the Ecofin meeting, which I chaired, I had a very positive exchange with Ministers, the Commissioner and the President of the European Central Bank. I am pleased to confirm that I received unanimous support for the timeline of securing a political agreement at Council by October. This is an ambitious timeline but if everybody comes to the table seeking to advance this significant package, then I believe we can secure the necessary agreement. Doing so will leave us well placed to then negotiate with the European Parliament, when they settle their position on the package, and thereby adhere to the timeline set out by Leaders in the One Europe, One Market roadmap.