Minister McConalogue Attends Meeting of European Sports, Culture Ministers
- Published on: 2 June 2026
- Last updated on: 2 June 2026
Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, will represent Ireland at the Informal Meeting of the EU Ministers of Culture and a Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU Conference on Sports Tourism in Nicosia, Cyprus, starting today. Ireland will engage with Ministers from across the Union on key cultural priorities including cultural rights and creativity in the age of artificial intelligence, the illicit trafficking of cultural goods, and preparations for Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Minister McConalogue will speak at the International Conference on Sport Tourism as a Driver for Sustainable Development where he will discuss Ireland’s Major International Sports Events Strategy.
Minister McConalogue said:
I look forward to constructive discussions with my European counterparts on how we can protect artistic freedom, support sustainable careers in the creative sector, and strengthen cooperation to prevent the illicit trade in cultural objects.
As we prepare to take up the Presidency later this year, Ireland will continue to prioritise cultural rights, online safety for young people, and a coordinated European approach to the challenges and opportunities presented by AI to the creative and cultural sectors. I am also looking forward to speaking on Ireland’s guiding principles in respect of Major International Sports Events at the International Conference on Sport Tourism as a Driver for Sustainable Development. I will highlight the role of major sporting events such as the recent NFL game in Dublin and the upcoming Ryder Cup in showcasing the best Ireland has to offer.
ENDS