282. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53920/26]

As part of the programme traditionally associated with the start of a Presidency, the College of Commissioners visited Ireland on 2–3 July 2026.  This was the first formal collective engagement between the Irish Government and the European Commission during Ireland’s Presidency and served as an important opportunity to reinforce political cooperation, align on Ireland’s key priorities for the Presidency, and discuss collaborative approaches for advancing shared policy objectives for the benefit of citizens in Ireland and across the European Union.

The visit included a series of structured thematic discussions involving Ministers and Commissioners.  These sessions examined issues relating to industrial competitiveness and the Single Market; agriculture, climate action, energy and economic transformation; security, external affairs, defence, preparedness, trade and economic security; and values, skills, social inclusion and housing.

In my capacity as Minister for Social Protection, I co-chaired the session on Values, Skills, Social Cohesion and Housing alongside Commissioner Michael McGrath. The discussion also brought together Ministers and Commissioners with responsibility for the relevant policy areas to exchange views on the key challenges and opportunities within these sectors, with our discussion covering education, health, democracy, housing, enlargement, equality and social Europe.

The programme concluded with a plenary meeting co-chaired by the Taoiseach and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.  This session provided an opportunity to reflect on the principal themes emerging from the earlier discussions and to share key insights with the wider College of Commissioners and Government representatives.  It also enabled Ministers and Commissioners to exchange views on the opportunities and challenges likely to arise during Ireland’s Presidency.

Overall, discussions demonstrated a strong level of agreement between the Government and the European Commission regarding the European Union’s priorities and objectives during Ireland’s Presidency.  There was also a shared determination to sustain progress across the EU’s legislative and policy agenda throughout the Presidency term.