204. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth the range of topics covered and the outcome of her discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53877/26]

Ireland’s EU Presidency term began on July 1.

The Presidency visit by the College of Commissioners took place in Cork on 2-3 July and represented the first collective engagement between the Government of Ireland and the European Commission during the Ireland’s Presidency term.

The visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen political relationships, establish a shared understanding of Ireland’s Presidency priorities and discuss how we will work with the Commission though our term to ensure we can deliver effectively on our policy objectives to the benefit of citizens in Ireland and across Europe.

During this discussion on the area of Education and Youth, I provided the summary of the discussions to the meeting, as well as engaging on the topics. These included matters such as AI in Education, Skills Education, Inclusion and the Protection of Young People in Digital Spaces.

During our Education and Youth Presidency of the Council, I will lead the implementation of a number of Education and Youth priorities that will seek to advance EU work on these matters, and these are set out in the Irish Presidency Programme that was published in June.