The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) expects to be looking at a bill for its work during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU totalling €3.3 million.

In response to a parliamentary question raised by Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said all "expenditure arising relates primarily to the organisation and delivery of presidency related meetings and events".

Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from July 1 to December 31, 2026.

Minister Heydon told Deputy Carthy that it will be "an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda".

He also highlighted that the government "has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful presidency in 2026".

DAFM presidency costs

According to latest DAFM estimates there are four key areas where the department is likely to incur costs:

Informal meetings and events in Ireland - estimated €1,800,000
Official travel and subsistence - estimated €1,250,000;
Overtime from extended working hours - estimated €160,000;
Other hospitality and IT costs - estimated €107,000.

According to Minister Heydon DAFM intends to meet presidency staffing requirements primarily from "within existing resources".

But he added: "It should be noted that the final outturn 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.

He said DAFM will "seek to minimise costs" where possible, including through the use of existing facilities and shared service arrangements.