358. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the range of topics covered and the outcome of her discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53922/26]

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 meeting with 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. This 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 issues such as competitiveness and the single market; agriculture, climate, energy and economic transition; security, external relations, trade and economic security; and values, skills, social cohesion and housing.

As Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, I participated in discussions on values, skills, social cohesion and housing. Ministers and Commissioners exchanged views on the principal legislative and policy initiatives expected to progress during the Presidency, identifying opportunity for cooperation across a broad range of files including labour mobility, housing, AI and democratic resilience.

During the discussion, I emphasised the importance the Irish Presidency will place on the rights for those with disabilities, particularly in the area of assistive technology. I shared that the Irish Presidency will work to progress a range of equality matters during our term, including a work programme on the Equal Treatment Directive and Council Conclusions on equality and competitiveness. I highlighted that the Presidency would ensure young people remained central to policies that effected their lives.