4296. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht 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. [58613/26]

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 and based on the estimated costs for Presidency events compiled across the Department, a budget provision of €757,000 has been set aside for the costs of planned EU Presidency events. As noted, this is based on estimated costs and remains subject to change.

My Department is not planning gifts for attendees and dignitaries but it has purchased branded merchandise for distribution to delegates for their use at Presidency events. My Department has sourced these items in line with the relevant public procurement guidelines and the Sustainability Policy for Ireland’s EU Presidency.

As you are aware, during its Presidency term, Ireland will host more than 270 events, with more than 30,000 delegates expected to attend from across Europe and further afield. These meetings provide an important opportunity to showcase the best of Ireland to our European partners. Overall, approximately a quarter of Presidency meetings and events hosted in Ireland are expected to take place in regional locations across the country.

In addition to the official calendar of meetings, Ireland’s EU Presidency will be complimented by a programme of Presidency Events, organised by Departments, agencies, partners or independently of Government but broadly supporting the advancement of EU policy objectives and Ireland’s presidency priorities. These events broaden participation and enhance the reach and visibility of the Presidency.

My Department will be hosting or supporting a range of events during the Presidency in various locations across Ireland, details of which are available on the irish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/events/.

The events focus on our priorities during the Presidency, namely supporting and promoting the use of the Irish language; rural development, and; civic engagement, civil society and social inclusion.

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, with attention being paid to value for money considerations and sustainability throughout.

Ireland has a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms and we are confident that with the support of our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU through our 2026 Presidency.