699. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 100 of 30 June 2026, if he will make a statement on matters raised. [55439/26]

658. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his Department's position on the current EU allocation under the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the AgoraEU programme (details supplied); and whether Ireland will be seeking an increase in this allocation during the MFF negotiation process. [57482/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 699 and 658 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Finance jointly lead in relation to coordinating Ireland’s position on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). I wish to associate myself with the remarks the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade made in her response to the Deputy’s question of 30 June 2026.

I acknowledge the importance of the measures that the AgoraEU programme seeks to support in promoting culture, media, civil society and ultimately EU values.

As set out in the previous response responsibility for Ireland’s approach to negotiations on this Regulation sits within the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

The Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EYCS) Council agreed a partial general approach on the proposed Regulation at its most recent meeting on 12 May 2026, which Ireland supported.

Ireland is now in the role of honest broker during its Presidency of the European Council for the remainder of the year, working constructively with all EU Member States, institutions and other stakeholders in order to support progress towards agreement on the next MFF, which includes the AgoraEU programme.