161. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will outline Ireland's EU Presidency priorities, particularly in relation to climate and energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61978/26]

Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council will be defined by action and by delivery. Delivery on European competitiveness, on European values and on European security. We will be guided by the enduring principle of strength with unity. The current global environment is unstable and deeply challenging and there are many external factors we cannot control. However, in vital areas, Europe has the means to take determined action. These include areas such as

• competitiveness – fostering prosperity and wellbeing

• values – upholding the indispensable foundation of our Union

• security – protecting our citizens

As Chair of the Environment and Energy Councils, my Department and I will drive delivery on European policy and legislative matters across climate, energy, environment and marine.

During the Presidency, my priorities will be to bring about:

• measures to deliver an integrated, secure, affordable and sustainable EU energy policy framework;

• an ambitious package of climate measures to accelerate EU progress toward climate neutrality by 2050, focused on credibility, delivery and long-term competitiveness;

• stewardship of the Union’s strategic mission to secure European sovereignty and economic resilience through positioning the EU as the world’s first "electro-continent"; and

• a resilient, resource-efficient and Europe, that values and protects our natural environment.

Further details of Ireland's Presidency Policy Programme can be found at: https://irish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/programme/programme-of-the-irish-presidency/.