Written answer
EU Presidency
The Department for Children, Disability and Equality was allocated €3.5 million for Presidency costs (€1.266 million pay and €2.234 million non-pay). It outlined a programme of equality, disability, children’s and Roma-related meetings, with modest gifts and branded stationery, while final expenditure will not be known until 2027.
3032. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide a detailed breakdown of her 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 her Department throughout the duration of the Presidency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58600/26]
Comment on this
The 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 committed in the Programme for Government to resourcing and delivering a successful EU Presidency. Major planning has taken place to date to ensure that costs are managed across all expenditure headings and prudent financial planning will continue throughout to ensure value for money.
In the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2026 the Department was allocated €3.5 million for EU Presidency costs. This comprises of €1.266 million in pay related costs and €2.234 million in non-pay related costs. As noted in the Revised Estimates there may be other costs that will be met through reprioritising staff and funding.
The funding being allocated for the Presidency is supporting delivery of the Presidency’s meeting programme in Ireland, to support platforms to exchange information and strengthen collaboration, and to showcase the best of Ireland to our partners from all across Europe. The funding is also supporting additional temporary staffing needs in Brussels and in Ireland to deliver on the Council’s legislative and policy agenda.
Officials in the Department have progressed, in line with the relevant public procurement guidelines, the necessary suppliers and service providers to support delivery of these events.
The Department's Presidency events in Ireland include an Informal Meeting of Equality Ministers, four High-Level Conferences and a number of official meetings, some of which will be co-hosted with the European Commission. Specifically,
High-Level Conference ‘Listening to Children and Young People - Challenges in Challenging settings’, 30-31 July
Meeting of the High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming, 7-8 September
High-Level Conference on Equality, 9 September
Meeting of European Child Guarantee Coordinators, 24-25 September
High-Level Conference on Non-Discrimination (LGBTIQ+ rights), 6 October
Meeting of the Expert Group on LGBTIQ Equality , 7 October
High-Level Conference on Disability – Access to Digital and Assistive Technology, 22–23 October
19th European Platform for Roma Inclusion Conference, 5 November
Meeting of National Roma Contact Points, 6 November
Informal meeting of Equality Ministers, 22-23 November
In addition, the Department will host several conferences and official meetings in Brussels, including a Roundtable on Equality Data co-hosted with the European Commission.
The Department has also endorsed a number of Associated Presidency Events. These events are organised by third parties, such as civil society organisations, government agencies and third level institutions. Supporting these events and meetings in Ireland in 2026 will assist in reinforcing Irish policy objectives in ways that Department-led or Presidency events cannot. These events will serve as platforms for exchanging innovative practices, informing policy development, and strengthening collaboration between national and European stakeholders. This support will complement official Presidency activity by shaping the wider policy environment, creating networking opportunities and the building of alliances.
It is customary for modest mementos to be given, usually to senior-level Heads of Delegation at meetings in the host country, to strengthen goodwill and promote domestic craftsmanship. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has procured unisex Irish woollen scarves and notebooks for distribution to Ministers at high-level Presidency meetings. In addition, and in line with agreed guidance, host Ministers have the option to choose a small gift to distribute to their Ministerial colleagues and Heads of Delegation at the relevant informal Ministerial meeting taking place in Ireland.
There will be limited branded merchandise for delegates at the aforementioned Department hosted Presidency events. All delegates will be provided with branded stationery packs; which have been centrally procured by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
To add to the standard branded stationery packs, to mark the High-Level Conference ‘Listening to Children and Young People - Challenges in Challenging settings’ a bespoke commemorative badge for delegates has also been purchased. This is customary practice at similar national child participation events and the Department wished to replicate this practice for this EU event.
The final costs of the Irish Presidency will not be known until 2027, once all the work is complete and the final bills are paid. In the meantime, every effort is being made to ensure costs are being well managed across all areas and in line with relevant financial policies and public procurement rules.