Motion or amendment: Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Motion or amendment by Mr Matthew O'Toole on 17 February 2026.

MLA: Mr Matthew O'Toole
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 17 February 2026
Type: Motion or amendment
Business: Motion · Private Members' Motion
Heading: Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Assembly identifier: Document 471680

Read the official Assembly record Open Data source

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Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
That this Assembly notes that Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 2026; recognises that this presents a significant strategic opportunity for Northern Ireland, including in addressing ongoing practical issues arising from Brexit, strengthening east–west and north–south cooperation, and maximising opportunities for EU engagement and investment in areas such as infrastructure, research and innovation, energy, skills and cross-border public services; further notes that Ireland’s EU Presidency can play an important role in supporting improved relations and closer cooperation between the United Kingdom and the European Union; believes that, in the long term, Northern Ireland’s future will be best served back in Europe as part of a new Ireland; and calls on the Northern Ireland Executive to proactively engage with the Irish Government to set out Northern Ireland’s priorities for the duration of Ireland’s EU Presidency.

151 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.