It will cost the Department of Agriculture an estimated €3.31m this year for Ireland to hold the role of presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Ireland will hold the role from 1 July until 31 December 2026.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has outlined that it is expected to cost €1.8m to hold informal meetings and events in Ireland.

ADVERTISEMENT

This will include the organisation and delivery of informal Agriculture and Fisheries Council meetings, the organisation and delivery of meetings of senior EU working party officials and the organisation and delivery of presidency-related conferences and associated events.

A further €1.2m is to be spent on travel and subsistence relating to official travel in support of presidency duties and subsistence costs incurred in line with standard civil service rates.

Overtime arising from extended working hours associated with the preparation and delivery of presidency events and meeting is expected to cost €160,000.

Hospitality and IT costs not related to the above is budgeted at €107,000. This would include incoming visits from EU delegations and IT systems to support the organisation of presidency meetings and events, the Minister said in response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy.

Staffing costs

“My Department is meeting presidency staffing requirements primarily from within existing resources,” the Minister said.

“It should be noted that the final out-turn costs will depend on a range of factors, including operational requirements and the number and format of meetings and events held during the presidency period.

“All expenditure will be incurred in accordance with the public spending code, public procurement rules and relevant Government circulars. My Department will continue to seek to minimise costs where possible, including through the use of existing facilities and shared service arrangements,” he added.

He said it will be an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful presidency in 2026.