119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment 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. [53918/26]

Ireland’s EU Presidency term began on 1 July. 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 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.

I co-chaired a comprehensive discussion on agriculture, climate, energy and economic transition alongside EVP Teresa Ribera, with other Ministers and Commissioners with relevant portfolios also participating.

The programme concluded with a plenary session, jointly chaired by An 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.