398. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health 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. [53878/26]

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 through our term to ensure we can deliver effectively on our policy objectives for the benefit of citizens in Ireland and across Europe.

During the meeting, there were a number of structured cluster discussions involving Ministers and Commissioners focused on (i) industrial competitiveness and the single market; (ii) agriculture, climate, energy and economic transition; (iii) security, external relations, defence, preparedness, trade and economic security; and (iv) values, skills, health, social cohesion and housing.

As Minister for Health, I took part in a comprehensive discussion on  Values, Skills, Social Inclusion and Housing alongside Commissioner Olivér Várhelyis, with Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler and other Ministers with relevant portfolios also participating. The session focussed on education, health, democracy, housing, enlargement, equality and social Europe.

I outlined the priorities in the area of health, including progress on the Biotech Act 1 (Directive and Regulation) and simplification of the Medical Devices Regulation and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation. I also highlighted women’s health, in particular endometriosis, as another priority area. During the Irish Presidency, discussions will also support the implementation of the European Health Data Space, and advancing Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.

Minister Butler outlined priorities in the area of mental health, highlighting its direct relevance to the overall health agenda.

The programme concluded with a plenary session, jointly chaired by the Taoiseach and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. This provided an opportunity for reflection on key themes which emerged during earlier discussions for the benefit of the wider College and Government. 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.

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.