446. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total amount allocated and amount expended to date across all votes in respect of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65398/26]

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.

The Revised Estimates 2026, published in December 2025, set out allocations by Vote for costs relating to Ireland’s hosting of the EU Presidency in the latter half of 2026. These totalled €0.3 billion. To the end of August, based on provisional spending return figures reported by Departments, €0.1 billion of this has been spent.

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.