306. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration 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. [53916/26]

Ireland’s EU Presidency term began on July 1. It is the culmination of a long process of planning and preparation that has been a major focus across Government.

The traditional Presidency visit by the College of Commissioners took place in Cork on 2-3 July 2026 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 the programme, structured cluster discussions involving Ministers and Commissioners focused on industrial competitiveness and the single market; agriculture, climate, energy and economic transition; security, external relations, defence, preparedness, trade and economic security; and values, skills, social cohesion and housing.

As Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, I engaged in a comprehensive discussion on security, external relations, defence, preparedness, trade and economic security alongside Commission Vice-President and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, with other Ministers and Commissioners with relevant portfolios also participating.

Discussions reflected the increasingly interconnected nature of Europe’s external and internal security agenda, with particular emphasis on resilience, strategic partnerships and crisis response. A number of significant legislative and policy files were identified for progression during the Irish Presidency, including those relating to migration, enlargement, military mobility and trade.

Overall, there was a high degree of alignment between the Government and the European Commission on the priorities and objectives for the work of the EU during the Irish Presidency term, together with a shared commitment to maintaining momentum across the Union’s legislative and policy agenda.