917. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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. [58612/26]

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 €679,000 to my Department to cover the estimated costs associated with the Department’s delivery of events and operations under its responsibility during Ireland’s EU Presidency.

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 central 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 Ministerial meeting taking place in Ireland.

DPER is hosting the Informal GAC Cohesion meeting in September. As part of this event, the Minister will gift Ministerial colleagues and heads of delegations a mini-hurl and a candle which combined have been procured for approximately €35. Consistent with the commitment in the Programme for Government, these gifts have been sourced from Irish enterprises to ensure the entire country benefits from the profile the Presidency brings.

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.

DPER will host eight events during Ireland’s EU Presidency. Details of these are included in the table below. Further information on the events is available on Ireland’s EU Presidency website - https://irish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/.