4032. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health if she will be engaging with European partners to establish a European neurological health strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58845/26]

I recently attended and delivered the keynote address at the event "Neurology at the Forefront of Innovation in Knowledge-Based Healthcare and Research Across Europe", which took place on 22 July 2026 (World Brain Day) in Dublin as an associated event of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU.

This event, Neurology at the Forefront of Innovation in Knowledge-Based Healthcare and Research Across Europe, brought together Irish and European organisations representing people affected by neurological conditions, research and clinicians to consider how Europe can respond more effectively to the growing challenge of neurological conditions through stronger healthcare delivery, research and innovation.

During my keynote address I highlighted the importance of establishing an EU framework in the area of neurological conditions.

The Presidency’s health agenda, under the theme “investing in health to enable competitiveness,” reflects a strategic commitment to strengthening the EU’s global competitiveness while ensuring high-quality, effective healthcare delivery for European citizens.

The central focus of the Presidency is the advancement of key EU legislative priorities. Two flagship legislative dossiers — the Biotech Act I and simplification of the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulations (MDR/IVDR) are at the forefront.

The Presidency Health programme is structured around three areas of strategic focus.

First, Ireland is leading discussions on the future of medicines, promoting innovation in life sciences, clinical trials, and regulatory frameworks to support both competitiveness and sustainable access to treatments.

Second, the Presidency is focussed on evidence-based prevention strategies and addressing health inequalities. We will progress negotiations on the Council Recommendation on health checks for cardiovascular diseases which is expected to be published later this year, as well as facilitating exchanges on early detection and integrated care, and increasing focus on women’s health, including endometriosis, recognising its broader societal and economic impact. Ireland will emphasise the importance and impact of the EU’s approach to integrating mental health into all policies and will explore ways of strengthening Europe’s health security architecture by ensuring mental health remains integral to resilience, crisis preparedness and the management of cross border health threats.

Third, Ireland is prioritising the implementation of digital health systems and data sharing. Progressing the European Health Data Space will be key, enabling secure, interoperable data use to support research, innovation, and the development of safe and effective AI in healthcare.