Alan Dillon
Mayo · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Landlords are generally not in a position to supervise day-to-day waste management practices within occupied properties. The Government therefore has significant concerns regarding both the practicality and effectiveness of these provisions.”
“The Government has commissioned an independent study to examine the feasibility of moving Ireland's household waste collection system from the current side-by-side competition model to a franchise-based system. That study is examining the environmental, economic, operational and consumer implications of alternative market structures.”
“If the evidence supports significant changes to the market structure, the Government will consider those recommendations carefully. If the evidence suggests improvements can be achieved through strengthened regulation, enhanced enforcement or targeted reforms within the existing framework, those options should also be considered.”
“We also want to see a well-designed waste collection system that not only delivers environmental benefits but also provides householders with the opportunity to reduce their own household waste costs through reducing residual waste, correctly segregating recyclable materials and correctly segregating organic materials.”
“We have a lack of capacity so we need to continue that, and investment certainty is really important in that regard but also to enable Ireland to meet both our national and European obligations, which are far reaching. These will all benefit from a stable and predictable policy framework.”
“Ireland requires continued investment across the waste and resource sector. We need investment in collection infrastructure, recycling capacity, material recovery technologies, organic waste treatment, digital systems and innovation. Those making long-term investments require certainty regarding Government policy.”
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“We have a lack of capacity so we need to continue that, and investment certainty is really important in that regard but also to enable Ireland to meet both our national and European obligations, which are far reaching. These will all benefit from a stable and predictable policy framework. That certainty is really important as we want to continue to invest in our waste collection system. I again thank Deputy Sherlock for bringing the Bill forward and look forward to continuing our engagement with Members of this House. I thank the Ceann Comhairle, members of staff and everyone in Leinster House for their work over the past number of months. I wish them a very happy summer and wish the Mayo team, its manager Andy Moran and all the supporters who will travel up to Croke Park Sunday week for the All-Ireland final well.”
“As I said, the Government commissioned the independent report and study to examine the feasibility of transitioning Ireland's household waste collection system from the current side-by-side system to a more franchised model. That work examines the environmental, economic and operational implications and considers the experience of other jurisdictions and specific circumstances that apply here in Ireland. Importantly, the purpose of that study is not to validate a predetermined outcome. It is to provide an objective evidence base upon which further policy decisions can be made. Regarding the wider objectives, namely, to deliver better environmental outcomes, support householders and encourage investment, we need to continue to ensure we have investment in more innovative recycling centres.”
“As I outlined, however, the Government does not believe this Bill represents the appropriate means to address those challenges. As I said, the central proposal contained in the Bill is to replace the current household waste collection market with a mandatory franchise model. That is a really significant structural reform that has potentially far more implications for householders, local authorities, waste operators and the wider circular economy. That is precisely why the Government is opposing the Bill. It relates to the requirement for robust evidence, which involves looking at the pros and cons. I genuinely do not believe a CCPC report or a local authority report has that robust, evidence-led, fact-finding analysis.”
“We also want to see a well-designed waste collection system that not only delivers environmental benefits but also provides householders with the opportunity to reduce their own household waste costs through reducing residual waste, correctly segregating recyclable materials and correctly segregating organic materials. All this can contribute to minimising disposal costs while contributing to our circular economy objectives. I acknowledge Deputy Sherlock bringing the Bill forward. It provides us with the clear and genuine desire to improve the household waste collection system and to address the concerns that many have in regard to service provision, affordability and environmental outcomes. Those concerns are legitimate and deserve careful consideration. I also acknowledge Deputy McAuliffe for the constructive points he made.”
“I thank all the Deputies who contributed to today's debate. I acknowledge and appreciate the thoughtful and constructive manner in which this debate has engaged with a really important issue. The one broad consensus and fundamental point that has been raised is that we all want a household waste collection system that is affordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable but also has the capacity to support Ireland's transition to a more circular economy. We want to continue to invest in ensuring we have cleaner communities and higher recycling rates. Deputy Sherlock made that point. We want to reduce illegal dumping and indeed we want a waste service that meets the needs of our householders, communities and businesses.”
“For the reasons I have outlined, and while acknowledging the constructive intentions of Deputy Sherlock, the Government cannot support the Bill at this time. Instead, we are continuing to pursue an evidence-led reform, informed by independent analysis, stakeholder engagement and the updated waste action plan for a circular economy in order that any future changes to Ireland's waste collection system are based not on assumption, but real facts and evidence and deliver lasting benefits for households, communities and the State.”
“It is also why we commissioned an independent feasibility study before making decisions on major structural reform. This is the responsible course of action. It allows us to consider evidence. It allows us to continue to engage stakeholders and it allows us to develop reforms that are effective, proportionate and capable of delivering long-term environmental and economic benefits. The Government shares many of the aspirations underpinning this Bill. We want high-quality services, strong environmental performance, affordable services for households, to eliminate illegal dumping and to accelerate Ireland's transition to a circular economy. However, we do not believe this Bill provides the right mechanism to achieve those objectives.”
“Landlords are generally not in a position to supervise day-to-day waste management practices within occupied properties. The Government therefore has significant concerns regarding both the practicality and effectiveness of these provisions. More broadly, the Government believes Ireland's principal challenge is not simply how household waste is collected. Our challenges include how we prevent waste from arising, how we can increase reuse and recycling, how we support producer responsibility, how we reduce emissions and how we build a genuinely circular economy. Changing the market structure for household waste collection is only one potential element of that broader agenda. That is why the Government is updating the waste action plan for a circular economy and implementing Ireland's second whole-of-government circular economy strategy.”
“The costs do not disappear and they must ultimately be borne by other households, service providers or the State. Where support is required, the Government believes broader social protection measures are a more appropriate and transparent mechanism. The Bill also proposes to place responsibilities on landlords regarding waste collection in rented residential properties. Again, I understand the objective behind this proposal. However, in most rented properties it is tenants, not landlords, who generate household waste and make decisions regarding waste segregation, recycling and presentation for collection. The polluter pays principle requires responsibility to rest, as far as possible, with the person generating the waste.”
“This is a fundamental principle of European environmental law. It reflects the principle that those who generate waste should bear the costs associated with its management and that pricing signals should encourage waste prevention, reuse and recycling. The Government fully recognises that some households face genuine financial hardship. However, the question is not whether support should be provided. The question is how support should be provided. Waste charges are designed to recover the cost of providing the service while encouraging environmentally responsible behaviour. Introducing mandatory waivers through waste collection through waste collection permits risks weakening those incentives. Furthermore, the Bill does not explain how those costs would be funded.”
“Ireland requires continued investment across the waste and resource sector. We need investment in collection infrastructure, recycling capacity, material recovery technologies, organic waste treatment, digital systems and innovation. Those making long-term investments require certainty regarding Government policy. Introducing fundamental legislative change before the current review is completed risks creating uncertainty for operators, investors and local authorities. The Government does not believe that such uncertainty would serve the interests of households or the wider circular economy. I now wish to address two elements of the Bill in particular, those being the proposed hardship waiver scheme and the provisions relating to landlords. At the heart of Ireland's waste policy is the polluter pays principle.”
“There is no evidence before this House demonstrating that introducing exclusive franchise areas would, in itself, significantly reduce illegal dumping. Similarly, affordability is influenced by a number of factors, including labour costs, fuel prices, treatment costs, landfill levies, vehicle investment, inflation and regulatory requirements. There is no evidence that changing to a franchise system would automatically reduce those underlying costs. Indeed, depending on how exclusive contracts are designed, competitive pressures may diminish over the lifetime of a franchise agreement. These are precisely the questions being examined through the Government's independent feasibility study around the unintended consequences. Another important consideration is investment certainty.”
“The House should allow that work to conclude before legislating for a permanent restructuring of the sector. Deputy Sherlock has suggested that a franchise model could address issues such as illegal dumping and rising household costs. These are important concerns, and I accept that. No Member of this House underestimates the seriousness of illegal dumping. It damages our environment, imposes costs on local authorities and communities and undermines confidence in the waste management system. The Government remains fully committed to tackling illegal dumping through stronger enforcement, such as the most recent increase in litter fines, improved surveillance, enhanced compliance activity and public awareness. However, illegal dumping is a complex behavioural and enforcement challenge.”
“That is why the Government believes that policy development in this area must remain evidence-based and proportionate. There is no single model of household waste collection that has been shown to be universally superior. Across Europe, countries use a variety of systems, including municipal services, regulated competitive markets, concession arrangements and hybrid models. The success of any system depends not simply on market structure but on effective regulation, enforcement, infrastructure, investment, pricing mechanisms and consumer participation. The Government's objective is not to promote one model for ideological reasons. Our objective is to identify the model that delivers the best outcomes for Ireland. That is precisely what the independent feasibility study was commissioned to do.”
“Any reforms to household waste collection should therefore be considered as part of the wider policy framework. We should also be careful not to assume that changing market structure automatically delivers better environmental outcomes. The Bill contains no evidence demonstrating that moving to an exclusive franchise model would significantly increase recycling rates, reduce waste generation or materially improve Ireland's ability to meet its obligations under European waste and circular economy legislation. Those outcomes depend on many factors, including household behaviour, public awareness, producer responsibility schemes, recycling infrastructure, market development and effective regulation. Changing contractual arrangements alone will not necessarily address those challenges.”
“Our objective is to maximise environmental outcomes, improve resource efficiency, provide high-quality services and support Ireland's transition to a circular economy. The Bill focuses primarily on who collects household waste and how collection contracts are awarded. However, waste collection is only one component of Ireland's broader circular economy agenda. The waste action plan for a circular economy seeks to prevent waste arising in the first place, maximise reuse, improve recycling, support producer responsibility, encourage innovation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, the circular economy strategy recognises that achieving national and European objectives requires action across government, industry, local authorities and communities.”
“I do not believe that is a responsible way to move forward and develop national policy. The Bill assumes that replacing competition in the market with competition for the market will resolve many of the challenges facing household waste collection. However, that should not be taken as a given. In many instances, the greatest environmental and economic gains arise from strengthening the regulatory and economic measures that already underpin the existing market. Better outcomes may be achieved by improving the operation of the current system rather than replacing it entirely. That distinction is important. The objective of Government policy is not to favour one market model over another.”
“If the evidence supports significant changes to the market structure, the Government will consider those recommendations carefully. If the evidence suggests improvements can be achieved through strengthened regulation, enhanced enforcement or targeted reforms within the existing framework, those options should also be considered. That is how good public policy should be made. It should be based on evidence rather than assumption. It should be informed by independent analysis rather than anecdote. It should also consider both intended and unintended consequences before major legislative changes are introduced. The Bill before us would effectively pre-empt that process. It would commit the State to one particular market model before Government has had the opportunity to consider the findings of the independent review it commissioned.”
“The Government has commissioned an independent study to examine the feasibility of moving Ireland's household waste collection system from the current side-by-side competition model to a franchise-based system. That study is examining the environmental, economic, operational and consumer implications of alternative market structures. It is considering issues such as service quality, competition, investment, affordability, environmental performance, implementation challenges and the wider impacts on the waste sector. Importantly, it is doing so independently and objectively. The recommendations arising from that work will be considered as part of the updated waste action plan for a circular economy and the implementation of Ireland's second whole-of-government circular economy strategy in 2027. That is the appropriate policy process.”
“An effective waste collection system should reward positive environmental behaviour. I also recognise concerns relating to affordability, service quality, consistency of provision and illegal dumping. These are legitimate public policy issues and they deserve careful consideration. However, while I acknowledge the intentions behind this Bill, the Government cannot support it. The principal reason is straightforward. The Bill seeks to legislate for a fundamental restructuring of Ireland's household waste collection market at the very time that Government is undertaking a comprehensive, evidence-based review of the future structure of that market. This is not about resisting reform, nor is it about defending the status quo . It is about ensuring that reform is informed by evidence.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Waste Management (Household Waste Collection Service) Bill. I thank Deputy Sherlock and the Labour Party for bringing this legislation before the House. At the outset, I acknowledge that the Deputy has raised issues that are of real importance to households across the country. Reliable, affordable and environmentally sustainable waste collection services are essential public services. Every household should have confidence that their waste is being collected efficiently and managed responsibly and that the system supports Ireland's transition to a more circular economy. Equally, households need to see that reducing, recycling and properly segregating waste not only benefits the environment but also reduces household waste costs.”
“Through the continued support of firms such as Intel and investment in skills and innovation, we can continue to remain at the forefront of Europe's semiconductor future.”
“Getting back to Sillicon Island, it is not simply a strategy document. It is very much a programme of investment in skills, research, infrastructure and competitiveness. We have started from a position of strength, and we need to continue that investment over the long term. That is why we are actively working with European partners on the chips Act 2.0. This will build on progress that has been achieved under the original European Chips Act. As part of our European Presidency, we will work to advance the agenda and strengthen Europe's position on critical semiconductor technologies. That is why the Government is working with IDA Ireland to advance the next generation sites. We want Ireland to continue to be attractive to semiconductor manufacturers, enhancing the big multinationals that are already here.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter and for his work on the artificial intelligence committee, alongside the critical infrastructure committee. We recognise the importance Intel brings, not just to Leixlip and Kildare but also to Ireland in general. It is the cornerstone of Ireland's semiconductor ecosystem and one of the most significant industrial investments in the history of the State. It is one of the largest private sector employers, and we need to continue to support it through the Government, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. We remain actively engaged with Intel to ensure it can continue to grow but it is also supported through its competitiveness, talent development and investment. I know the Deputy has had continuous engagement with the Minister, Deputy Burke, on that.”
“However, there is still more to do as a Government to advance this fast-growing sector, and the launch of the advisory council to the semiconductor sector will mark further progress on the next phase of the Silicon Island’s implementation. This industry-led forum will support the ongoing growth and development of the sector and assist in making Ireland and Irish companies world leaders in this vital technological sector.”
“This is in addition to the next generation sites initiatives, which is being led by IDA Ireland to deliver large-scale, fully serviced industrial sites to secure and accommodate future semiconductor investments. Through increased investment in Ireland’s R and D capabilities, training and upskilling our current and future workforce, scaling our SME sector and strengthening our competitiveness, this strategy will continue to support existing and future investments in Ireland’s semiconductor sector. Indeed, the strategy is already delivering for companies in Ireland, with a number of companies, including Openchip and Qualcomm, making major investment announcements in recent months.”
“Significant progress has been made in implementing the strategy over the past year. Already, over €70 million in combined national and EU funding has been secured for the Tyndall National Institute’s participation in three European pilot lines under the European Chips Act. The national competence centre for semiconductors, I-C3, is now operational as part of a European-wide network, providing SMEs and researchers with access to world-class expertise, pilot production lines, design platforms, funding supports and training. The expert group on future skills needs has commenced a specific study on the semiconductor sector, which is due to be published in quarter 3 of this year.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. He is absolutely right to highlight the importance of this sector, particularly for the communities he represents in north Kildare, such as Leixlip, which has played a central role in Ireland’s technological success. The Government and I completely recognise the importance of this strategic sector. That is why in May 2025, the Minister, Deputy Burke, launched Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy, which aims to make Ireland a global leader in semiconductors. Through a successful implementation of its three pillars - building on our strong ecosystem, developing skills and talent, and identifying and seizing opportunities - Silicon Island promises to deliver for multinational and indigenous Irish companies alike.”
“I acknowledge and appreciate the significant work of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate, Energy and the Environment, which conducted pre-legislative scrutiny on the general scheme of the Bill. I also thank the Attorney General's office and all the officials and stakeholders, as well as all the Senators for their contributions today. We look forward to discussing the Bill further on Committee Stage.”
“The strategic gas energy reserve is a priority project of a real and strategic nature that is required to mitigate any major consequences. I am confident the legislation before the House today will provide the robust consenting process that will enable the project to proceed at an expedited pace. For far too long, we have been held back in major developments across major projects. We have done major reforms through the planning and development Bill and with An Coimisiún Pleanála. We now need to move forward with the Critical Infrastructure Act to enable Ireland to deliver critical projects of real strategic importance, and this is one of them.”
“I was shocked it was not referenced by anyone on the Opposition benches that the real purpose of this Bill is to ensure we have sufficient supply to protect households and business consumers in the event of major disruption of our subsea pipelines, which account for over 80% of all gas supply into this country. It is very important we have continuity of supply for businesses and householders across the country. This strategic gas reserve will provide the alternative source of gas at an appropriate scale. If Ireland were to experience such devastating interruptions, I am sure the Senators would be coming into this House calling foul that Government had done nothing. This Bill is very much focused on delivering an emergency reserve. It is critical for Ireland's energy security.”
“I thank all the Senators for their contributions today. Certainly, as has been noted throughout the debate, especially on the Government side of the House, there is an urgent requirement to take action to mitigate this critical risk to Ireland's energy security. As I said earlier, the main purpose of this Bill is to provide for a project-specific bespoke consenting pathway for the strategic gas emergency reserve facility that will be located in County Clare. This will enable the development consent application to be submitted later this year, which is critical in achieving an accelerated delivery of this project. As referenced by Senators Duffy and Clifford-Lee, we are a small island nation that is very reliant on interconnectors. Our exposure to potential disruption of gas supply presents a really significant risk to energy security.”
“Part 7 contains one section relating to a consequential amendment to the Environmental Protection Act 1992. I commend the Bill to the House and look forward to the debate.”
“Part 5 contains three sections relating to the determination of an application for approval to carry out designated development. Part 6 provides for miscellaneous provisions relating to designated development granted approval under this bespoke process. Section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 is disapplied to relevant bodies performing functions in relation to designated development. The Minister may also issue a direction to competent authorities responsible for the granting of relevant consents, to facilitate priority consenting of the project. The judicial review and access to justice provisions have been adapted from the Planning and Development Act 2000, retaining the well-tested framework that currently applies to a challenge to a planning decision in the courts.”
“The section sets out who may submit an application for designated development under this procedure, being limited to Gas Networks Ireland or such other public bodies as may be prescribed. Part 4 contains 17 sections relating to the environmental impact assessment and appropriate assessment procedures that will apply to an application for designated development. These assessments shall be carried out by An Coimisiún Pleanála within specified accelerated timelines. It provides for a period of 18 weeks for a decision to be made by An Coimisiún Pleanála from receipt of an application to final decision. Time when An Coimisiún Pleanála is waiting for a return of further information by the applicant will be disregarded towards this overall time period.”
“Section 5 provides for what constitutes designated development for the purposes of the development and use of a strategic gas emergency reserve to be located at Cahiracon in County Clare. Sections 6 and 7 provide that the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Planning and Development Act 2024, and Regulation 2 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 are disapplied in relation to designated development, to facilitate the alternative consenting process set out in the Bill. Part 3 contains four sections relating to the seeking of approval to carry out designated development. It provides for a mechanism for pre-application consultation. The required contents of an application are specified. as is a requirement to give public notice of an application and details of the public consultation procedure.”
“This will be a substantive Bill that will address provisions relating to the operation, use and cost of the reserve, as well as a number of policy matters previously raised by Oireachtas Members. The Bill before the House contains seven Parts and 38 sections. I will provide a brief overview. Part 1 comprises four sections that contain standard legislative provisions that cover the Short Title to the Bill, the commencement procedures, the definitions of terms used in the Bill and a regulation-making power, as well as enabling the expenses of the Minister to be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas. Part 2 contains three sections relating to what comes within the scope of designated development.”
“The conventional planning route under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, has been fully considered and it is proposed to disapply it, given the need for an expedited decision timeframe to deliver this project. The legislation will allow for the next stage of development of the strategic gas emergency reserve. It is intended to submit the development consent application by the end of 2026 in order to achieve an accelerated project delivery timeline. It is intended to bring forward a memorandum for Government later this year to request permission to draft the strategic gas emergency reserve (operational) Bill to provide for the operation of the strategic gas emergency reserve.”
“Gas Networks Ireland will ensure that appropriate contractual arrangements are in place to refill floating storage and regasification units throughout an emergency situation, providing consistent gas supply for the duration required. The introduction of bespoke legislation was agreed following advice from the Office of the Attorney General to reduce the uncertainty of the timelines regarding planning decisions and to facilitate the request from the Government to expedite delivery of this project. The ongoing phased commencement of the Planning and Development Act 2024 at this time prevents the project benefiting from the required expedited decision timeframe to deliver this project.”
“Crucially, this strategic gas energy reserve will also ensure Ireland's compliance with EU standards and regulations. The strategic gas emergency reserve will be a State-owned gas storage facility that will provide the resilience required to support our energy transition. This State-led strategic reserve will store liquefied natural gas, LNG, for use only in the event of a disruption to gas supplies to protect Ireland's citizens, economy and reputation from the possibility of energy curtailment. It is not intended for commercial use and will not act as a new entry point for gas into the system. The final design will be scoped to provide sufficient supply to protect households and businesses consumers in the event of major disruption to subsea gas pipelines.”
“I am pleased to address the House on Second Stage of the Development (Strategic Gas Reserve) Bill 2026. As Senators are aware, the main purpose of this Bill is to provide for a project-specific, bespoke consenting pathway for the strategic gas emergency reserve facility to be located at Cahiracon in County Clare. This will enable a development consent application to be submitted later this year, which will be critical in achieving the accelerated delivery of this project. Before outlining the provisions of the Bill, I will speak on a number of key points relating to the development of the legislation. Back in March 2025, the Government approved a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve. This is critical to securing Ireland's energy system as we continue to transition to indigenous, clean renewable energy.”
“These initiatives will help to shape the future of work across Europe by supporting quality employment, fair working conditions, skills development, social dialogue and labour mobility.”
“A competitive Europe must also be a fair Europe and we will strike the right balance between supporting businesses to grow and innovate and protecting workers and maintaining strong social standards. As highlighted by the Draghi and Letta reports, Europe faces significant competitiveness challenges, including an innovation gap, slower productivity growth and the need to deepen the Single Market. Our Presidency will support the European Commission’s competitiveness compass by promoting an environment where SMEs can grow and scale, emerging technologies can flourish and investment can drive sustainable economic growth. A key priority during our Presidency will be advancing the European employment agenda, including work on the forthcoming quality jobs Act and the fair labour mobility package.”
“We will also work to ensure that the EU’s ambitious space agenda is underpinned by a sustainable long-term framework through progress on the EU space services agency regulation. At the same time, we will seek to advance the EU Space Act to help to maintain safe, secure and sustainable space operations as activity in space continues to grow. Through these efforts, Ireland will help to reinforce Europe’s open strategic autonomy, strengthen our collective security and resilience, and support the European Union’s position as a global leader in this strategically important sector. When we talk about competitiveness, it is important to say it is not just about business; it is about people too.”
“It is becoming increasingly important for Europe’s economic security and technological leadership. During our Presidency, we will advance work to enhance Europe’s economic resilience, ensuring the European Union is well positioned to compete and prosper in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing global environment. This ambition also extends to the space sector, which is becoming ever more important to Europe’s economic security, technological leadership and strategic resilience. The Irish Presidency will prioritise measures to strengthen the competitiveness of Europe’s space sector by unlocking the potential of the Single Market for space, fostering innovation, supporting the growth of SMEs and enabling European space enterprises to scale and succeed.”
“This flagship Presidency event will build on our core theme of competitiveness, bringing together more than 600 entrepreneurs, business representatives, experts and policymakers from across Europe. The assembly will focus on practical measures to strengthen the SME sector, including improving access to finance, promoting entrepreneurship, accelerating digitalisation and supporting businesses to expand into new export markets. Through our work in leading negotiations and building consensus across the competitiveness agenda, we will help to deliver practical outcomes that enhance the competitiveness, resilience and long-term growth of Ireland’s and Europe’s small businesses. I will turn to space policy, which might seem a bit removed from day-to-day concerns, but is not.”
“At our upcoming informal meeting of environment Ministers, we will discuss the role of circularity as a critical component of resilience against external shocks and global supply chain impacts. Recent developments, including the conflicts in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have highlighted the far-reaching consequences of supply chain disruptions, extending well beyond energy security. Turning to small businesses, which is an area I feel particularly strongly about, Ireland comes into this Presidency with a clear commitment to co-operation, ambition and delivery. We want to work constructively with our European partners to strengthen our economies, support workers and ensure Europe remains competitive in the long term. The Department will host the SME and Clusters Assembly in Dublin in November.”
“Irish Ministers and Ministers of State, including me, will also lead on our engagement with the European Parliament across numerous complex policy areas, while leading and co-ordinating the work of the EU in major international negotiations, including significant United Nations conferences. By working with our partners across Europe to deliver an effective Presidency, we will ensure that Ireland’s position, influence and reputation in the EU is maintained and enhanced. We want to ensure the EU can respond effectively to the needs of citizens, communities and businesses across the 27 member states. One area that will be of particular importance during our Presidency will be circularity and the circular economy, which ties directly into the themes of competitiveness and resilience.”
“From today until 31 December, Ministers and officials from across the Government are fully committed to serving in our roles as honest brokers to ensure positive outcomes for all of the Union’s 450 million people. We will chair the Council across its formations, anchoring every negotiation in our core priorities of competitiveness, values and security. By setting clear agendas, building consensus and brokering compromises, we will achieve a critical legislative programme in the interest of all 27 member states. The scale of the task we face is huge, but we are ready. In Brussels and Luxembourg, our Ministers will chair dozens of formal Council meetings. On the ground, our exceptional diplomats and officials will steer the vital day-to-day work of more than 170 Council preparatory bodies.”
“As Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and at the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, I am pleased to join the Minister, Deputy McEntee, in welcoming the opportunity to address the Dáil on the first day of Ireland's eighth Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is a significant responsibility for Ireland and a moment of real opportunity for us to shape the European agenda at a time of profound change and challenge. Our Presidency priorities have been developed through broad consultation with people and organisations across the country and with our European partners. I strongly believe that these priorities reflect what Europe needs to do to deliver effectively for people across the 27 EU member states.”