Press release - Irish Presidency debriefs European Parliament committees on its priorities

Ministers hold a series of meetings in parliamentary committees to present the priorities of the Irish Presidency of the Council in the relevant policy fields.
Ireland holds the presidency of the Council until the end of 2026. This text will be updated as the hearings take place.
Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee
On 13 July, Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne said the priorities are strengthening EU competitiveness, protecting citizens and safeguarding EU values. He also highlighted regulatory simplification, support for Ukraine, enlargement and continued attention to the Article 7 procedure on Hungary as key issues. He added that reaching an agreement on the next long term EU budget as a horizontal priority.
MEPs focused on the issues of protecting children online and securing a permanent framework to combat child sexual abuse. They also raised concerns about rule of law developments in member states, migration and returns, digital sovereignty and spyware misuse, as well as support for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Public Health Committee
On 13 July, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill stressed the need to strengthen the EU's autonomy and resilience to ensure access to healthcare while fostering innovation to maintain European competitiveness. She identified mental health and women's health as key priorities of the Irish Presidency. Major legislative files will include the Biotech Act, the simplification of the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulations, and the Clinical Trials Regulation.
MEPs focused on health funding under both the 2027 annual budget and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). They also raised concerns about unequal access to clinical trials, innovative medicines and medical devices across the EU; and, the need to address mental health, particularly among young people, and adequate funding for the European health data space.
Committee on Culture and Education
On 13 July, Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton said the presidency will focus on educational mobility, the development of skills and including artificial intelligence, and the role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education (STEM). The European Education Area is another area of intended progress, in particular on literacy, mathematics and sciences for all, digital skills, lifelong learning and mobility, and vocational education and training (VET). Minister Naughton also said the presidency is ready to engage in negotiations on the new Erasmus+ programme.
MEPs asked about the funding for Erasmus+ following cuts proposed for the next MFF, on plans to expand it to primary and secondary schools, and on how to prevent the programme from being only accessible to an elite. Budgetary earmarking for the EU Solidarity Corps in the next MFF, the European Education Area, and an EU approach to the access of children and adolescents to smartphones were also raised. MEPs asked about support measures for VET students and about the EU Youth Dialogues.
Agricultural and Rural Development Committee
On 14 July, Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said that the presidency will try to progress “as much as possible” the negotiations on the next common agricultural policy (CAP). The next CAP must create a European framework for farmers who benefit from the single market while allowing EU countries to reflect regional realities and sectoral needs, according to the minister.
In their reactions, MEPs warned against the risk of fragmented CAP conditions for producers due to excessive national discretion. They agreed with the minister on the need to simplify rules for farmers and to support young people entering the agricultural sector.
Foreign Affairs Committee
On 14 July, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee said supporting Ukraine and advancing efforts towards a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine are among the presidency’s priorities, with a focus on the humanitarian situation in the region. Regarding Iran, the presidency intends to engage with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and work on regional security. On enlargement, the minister stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in opening new clusters with candidate countries and highlighted the “transformative” impact accession has had on recently-joined EU members.
MEPs inquired about EU relations with China and Turkey and on how Ireland could use its connections with the UK and US to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine. They also focused on enlargement, the situation in the Middle East, a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, and the Global Europe instrument.
International Trade Committee
On 14 July, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee said the Presidency will pursue an ambitious, open and rules-based trade policy to support European competitiveness, resilience, economic security and sustainable growth. It will monitor trade and investment relations with the US and China and engage with member states and partners to make WTO reform work and reinforce the rules-based multilateral trading system. It will also steer negotiations on economic security measures to ensure they remain compatible with open, rules-based trade while protecting EU competitiveness, resilience and fair competition. The presidency marked the Industrial Accelerator Act as a priority for its six-month presidency.
Members quizzed the Minister about trade relations with Israel, notably on how to deal with goods coming from the occupied Palestinian territories and settlements. They also asked about the cumulative impact of free trade agreements (FTAs) and on the conclusion of future FTAs, notably in Asia and the Middle East, as well as digital trade agreements.
Security and Defence Committee
On 14 July, Minister of Defence Helen McEntee said Ireland is determined to play a full part in the security and defence agenda of the EU. The presidency will work on solidarity with Ukraine, on further sanctions against Russia and will have a positive approach to any proposal from the European security strategy, particularly stressing issues around maritime security. She pointed to the AGILE regulation, the military mobility package, and the defence readiness omnibus as important elements of the EU’s response to an increasingly unstable security environment. The presidency will support wider EU work on critical infrastructure security including drones and counter-drone measures, cable security and the protection of vital societal functions.
MEPs expressed particular concerns about hybrid threats as well as worries about diverse positions among member states regarding sanctions on Russia. They also asked about European strategic autonomy, defence innovations, and achieving a single market for defence.
Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee
On 14 July, Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, stressed that that equality and fundamental rights contribute to economic competitiveness. The presidency will work to advance the implementation of the new 2026–2030 EU gender equality strategy. It will also seek to reach an agreement on the horizontal equal treatment directive and to address issues relating to the care economy.
MEPs called for progress on the long-blocked equal treatment directive. They asked the minister to focus on developing the care economy, improving the recognition and certification of skills, and taking concrete action against online and offline gender-based violence, including by recognising femicide as a distinct EU crime. Members also emphasised that gender equality should be a budgetary priority in the negotiations on the EU long-term budget. Finally, they welcomed the commitment to improve gender-disaggregated data and statistics to support evidence-based policymaking.
Environment, Climate and Food Safety Committee
On 14 July, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon stressed the need to help the agricultural sector become more environmentally sustainable while remaining productive. He identified organic production and labelling, simplification, generational renewal, and the role of women in agriculture and rural communities as key priorities. He added that the presidency would steer discussions on the livestock strategy and the protein plan in a coherent manner.
MEPs focused on the proposal for the new common agricultural policy (CAP), particularly the presidency's position on maintaining a dedicated ring-fenced budget. They also stressed the need for the food and feed safety simplification omnibus to cover also animal and human health and called for a stronger commitment to climate resilience as a prerequisite for food security and competitiveness. Finally, they asked how to raise the profile of women farmers, and raised concerns about animal welfare during transport.
Transport and Tourism Committee
On 15 July, Seán Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, said that in transport the priority focus will be on four topics: competitiveness, decarbonisation, delivery for citizens and safety, and security and resilience. He committed to make progress on the Connecting Europe Facility, the air services regulation, the automotive package, clean corporate vehicles, rail ticketing and multimodal booking regulations. Efforts will also be made to reach a deal with MEPs on the roadworthiness package, military mobility and the weights and dimensions directive. Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, added that the presidency is waiting for the adoption the EU sustainable tourism strategy. Ireland will focus on promoting more balanced tourism, while supporting the implementation of new EU short-term rental rules and fostering new initiatives under the affordable housing plan.
MEPs encouraged the presidency to safeguard proper funding for transport projects under the new long-term EU budget. They welcomed the commitment to reach an agreement on the roadworthiness package and military mobility and to advance the work on passenger rights.
Development Committee
On 15 July, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond, identified humanitarian action, food security and nutrition, gender equality, and climate as key presidency issues. The presidency will seek to finalise Council conclusions on the recently-adopted joint communication on humanitarian aid. It will lead preparations for COP31 in November 2026, and continue to advocate for EU action on gender equality in the face of a global pushback. The negotiations on the MFF, including the Global Europe instrument, will remain an overarching focus.
In response, MEPs brought up the role of the EU’s global gateway initiative and efforts to support job creation in partner countries, as well as concerns around the financing of the Global Europe instrument under the next long-term budget They also referenced EU support for Ukraine, the global food security crisis, and the EU’s role in advocating for respect for international humanitarian law and the defence of humanitarian aid workers.
Constitutional Affairs Committee
On 15 July, Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne pointed to significant momentum to conclude the EU enlargement processes and the corresponding preparations for discussions on potential EU reforms, in light of the Granada declaration, Parliament’s proposals for the revision of the Treaties, and the outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe. On Parliament’s right of inquiry, he acknowledged the legal and constitutional questions that had led to an impasse, but hoped to move forward on the basis of a new proposal being prepared. On the EU Ethics Body, he committed to try to resolve outstanding issues.
MEPs focused on institutional reforms, especially ahead of enlargement. Pending electoral act reforms, completing the Union’s accession to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the Ethics Body, freedom of speech and proximity to citizens, and the APPF’s investigation into the ESN party’s compliance with EU values were also raised. On the 2022 electoral law package, the minister called for new ideas to unlock the file. On ECHR accession, he confirmed the presidency’s strong support.
Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee
The presidency will be investing the bulk of its efforts into reaching political agreement on savings and investments union, was the main message of Simon Harris, ECOFIN President, Tánaiste and Minister of Finance on 15 July. Harris told MEPs that the aim was for member states to adopt their position on the matter by October, to then be able to begin negotiations with the European Parliament. Harris also told MEPs that other priorities included work on the digital euro, simplification, the packages on securitisation and on pensions, and certain taxation files.
MEPs were broadly pleased that the presidency had an ambitious objective for thesavings and investments union blocks but also expressed some concerns that a rushed agenda could lead to inadequate results. Other questions to the minister concerned the digital euro, the energy crisis, with a link to the economic governance rules, the pensions package, and the markets infrastructure package.
Fisheries Committee
On 15 July, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, identified as priorities the implementation of the common fisheries policy (CFP), the European Ocean Pact and the EU Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) for 2028-2034. The European fisheries and aquaculture statistics file should be concluded soon, he said, and the minister expects decisions on fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea in October, and for the Atlantic, North, Mediterranean and Black seas in December. The presidency will also work to ensure good cooperation with the United Kingdom and Norway.
MEPs expressed concern about the proposed significant cut to fisheries funding in the next MFF and asked for measures to ensure the necessary financing. They see a need for a simplification package and for action to level the playing field with fishers from third countries. On the Commission evaluation of the CFP, MEPs asked what the presidency intends to do to push the Commission to act. They also inquired into the multiannual plans for the Baltic and Mediterranean seas and the landing obligation.
Regional Development Committee
On 16 July, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers said the presidency will prioritise strengthening regional competitiveness through cohesion policy, while promoting targeted investment in rural, island, border and coastal regions, digital inclusion and simplification. He stressed the need for a place-based approach to regional development, stronger support for entrepreneurship, and continued investment to help regions adapt to demographic and climate challenges.
MEPs welcomed the focus on regional development and simplification but raised concerns about the future of cohesion funding and the risk of the renationalisation of regional policy through the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs). Several MEPs also called for adequate funding for the PEACE+ programme, greater involvement of regional and local authorities, and safeguards to ensure cohesion policy continues to reduce regional disparities across the EU.
Employment and Social Affairs Committee
On 16 July, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary said the priorities will be workers’ rights and social exclusion, strengthening the EU’s competitiveness, the need for high quality jobs, skills portability, and lifelong learning. The presidency will the upcoming Quality Jobs Act and fair mobility package, including the expected digital European social security pass (ESSPASS). Other issues cited include the use of AI and algorithms at work and persons with disabilities.
MEPs asked about plans to strengthen and ensure efficient funding for the European Child Guarantee, enforcing the mandate of the European Labour Authority, and the implementation of the Pay Transparency Directive across the EU. They welcomed the presidency’s approach on anti-poverty, in particular on combatting child homelessness, and stressed the need to address union busting and the health and safety risks related to working in extreme temperatures.
Contacts:
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Eoghan WALSH
Press Officer (IE) -
Federico DE GIROLAMO
Press Officer