242. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53875/26]

Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December is an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda, and my Department is committed to supporting the whole-of-Government effort to deliver a successful Presidency.

The visit by the College of Commissioners which took place in Cork on 2-3 July 2026 is part of every Presidency’s Programme of events and represented the first collective engagement between the Government of Ireland and the European Commission during 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 the programme, structured discussions involving Ministers and Commissioners focused on a range of important policy issues. As Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, I took part in comprehensive discussions with other Ministers and Commissioners – including EVP Henna Virkkunen - on the topics of industrial competitiveness and the single market. I took the opportunity to discuss some of the key files within my remit and which I intend to take forward during the Presidency.

The programme concluded with a plenary session, jointly chaired by the Taoiseach and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen which allowed collective discussion on some of the themes emerging form the various cluster discussions. The plenary also provided an opportunity for Ministers and Commissioners to exchange views on the opportunities and challenges that will arise during the Irish Presidency term.