10. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of preparations to ensure a successful EU Presidency in 2026; if the Government will publish plans for Ireland's upcoming Presidency to deliver against strategic priorities for Europe and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4445/25]

Sentiment score: 0.25

I ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of preparations to ensure a successful EU Presidency in 2026; if the Government will publish plans for Ireland's upcoming Presidency to deliver against strategic priorities for Europe and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Sentiment score: 0.76

I thank the Tánaiste. I asked that question originally in the last Dáil, back in June or July of last year, because there is some excitement about the Presidency coming to Ireland for 2026. Unfortunately, the response is kind of similar to what the Tánaiste gave then. I understand that there is certain stuff he cannot reveal and we are 12 months out from the Presidency but at the same time, the Tánaiste has said that the cross-departmental committee group that was established has met 24 times. Is there anything the Tánaiste can elicit that has been discussed at those meetings with respect to priorities? I understand as well that while Ireland is in the Presidency, we must be conscious of the fact we are representing Europe first and foremost, and not just being parochial and national in our own self-interest. However, after 24 meetings I hope the Tánaiste could maybe reveal something or that he could even reflect tonight on key priorities for himself that, as he would see it, might dominate with regard to us publishing our own agenda.

Sentiment score: 0.25

I appreciate the Minister making those suggestions. Maybe I can throw one in as well. The Polish Presidency is in place at the moment and it, as the Minister said, has understandably prioritised security and defence, the protection of people and borders, resistance to foreign interference and disinformation and so on. It has prioritised the issues that are most pertinent to it. When the Irish Presidency starts in 2026, I would like to make the case for our pharmaceutical industry, in particular. It is important to us in the south. I have discussed with the Minister on numerous occasions rare diseases, orphan drugs and how we improve accessibility to drugs for patients. We seem to be caught in an archaic system. Regarding the proclamations that have come from the United States in recent weeks, in terms of possibly putting tariffs on the pharma sector, I would like to highlight that as part of our list of priorities.

Sentiment score: 0.32