4023. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health 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. [58609/26]

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 €2.062m to my Department to cover the estimated costs associated with the Department’s responsibility for planning and delivery of the Health Agenda for the EU Presidency.

The overall estimated pay cost covers staffing needs arising in Brussels and in Ireland to deliver on the Council’s legislative and policy agenda and to support planning.

The overall estimated non-pay cost of €1.52m covers the central operational costs associated with delivery of the Presidency and with the planned extensive meeting programme in Ireland which fall to the Department of Health. During the Presidency, Ireland will host 25 meetings, conferences and events involving representatives from our European and international partners. These Presidency events in Ireland are expected to involve more than 3,300 participants.

Costs associated with these events falling to my department include: the transport of delegations, catering, accommodation for speakers and panellists, travel and subsistence for staff travelling to and from Working Party meetings, and cultural performances, where and as appropriate. Other costs include contributions to the leasing of temporary premises in Brussels.

DFAT procured and is providing branded stationery for distribution to delegates for their use at all Presidency meetings taking place in Ireland.

It is customary for modest mementos to be given, usually to senior-level Heads of Delegation at meetings visiting the host country, to strengthen goodwill and promote domestic craftsmanship. The central DFAT Presidency planning team 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 meeting of Ministers taking place in Ireland.

For the Informal Meeting of Health Ministers, I have selected to give my fellow Ministers a framed James Joyce stamp, at a cost of €50 per gift.

We are in the process of sourcing modest (c. €50) gifts which will be given to the high-level ranking officials and speakers / panellists of our meetings.

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 and value for money is secured across all areas aspects of the Health Presidency Programme.