2643. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a detailed breakdown of his Department’s budget for the EU Presidency; the details of any planned gifts for attendees and dignitaries; details of any branded merchandise purchased; the details of events planned by his Department throughout the duration of the Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58599/26]

Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union is an important opportunity for Ireland to shape Europe’s policy direction, lead important aspects of the EU’s work, and showcase Ireland’s engagement, expertise and values at the heart of the European Union. The Government has committed in the Programme for Government to resourcing and delivering a successful Presidency.

In line with that commitment, the Revised Estimates for 2026 included an allocation of €3,317,000 to my Department to cover the estimated costs associated with the Department’s responsibility for policy and operational planning for the EU Presidency.

The principal areas that expenditure is expected to arise are:

1. Informal Meetings & Events in Ireland - €1,800,000

• Organisation and delivery of Informal Agriculture and Fisheries Council Meetings

• Organisation and delivery of meetings of Senior EU Working Party Officials

• Organisation and delivery of Presidency-related Conferences and associated events

2. Travel & Subsistence - €1,250,000

• Official travel undertaken in support of Presidency duties

• Subsistence costs incurred in accordance with standard civil service rates.

3. Overtime - €160,000

• Overtime arising from extended working hours associated with the preparation and delivery of Presidency events and meetings.

4. Other hospitality and IT costs not encompassed above - €107,000

• Other hospitality and IT costs associated with Presidency events and meetings, in line with Government guidelines, including incoming visits from EU delegations and IT systems to support the organisation of Presidency meetings and events.

My Department is meeting Presidency staffing requirements primarily from within existing resources.

It is customary for modest mementos to be given to strengthen goodwill and promote domestic craftsmanship during the Presidency.

My Department has organised small gifts of Irish chocolates to be distributed at Council and Working Party Meetings in Brussels, and at the EU Presidency events in Ireland. In addition, we will be distributing a number of small mementos for incoming Heads of Delegation for both the Informal Meeting of EU Fisheries Ministers, and the Informal Meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers.

With regard to branded merchandise, my Department has procured a small number of Presidency branded Polo shirts, to be used by staff within my Department at EU Presidency events.

The events that will be hosted by my Department during the EU Presidency are: