Minister Byrne visits Cavan and Monaghan ahead of EU Presidency

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, visited Cavan and Monaghan today as part of his ongoing community outreach ahead of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, which commences in July.

Minister Byrne is conducting community outreach across the country to raise awareness of Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency and to hear the views of citizens on how to frame Ireland’s EU Presidency policy priorities for the six-month period.

Minister Byrne met with secondary-level students at St. Patrick’s College in Cavan, Coláiste Dun an Rí in Kingscourt, and St Louis in Carrickmacross. The Minister also hosted a community gathering at Carrickmacross Library where he met with local community members and government representatives.

Discussions covered ongoing preparations for the EU Presidency and the important role that Ireland will play in driving forward the EU agenda, with the aim of engaging young people and local communities on matters related to the EU and its impact on their lives.

The Minister also highlighted the diverse range of EU jobs available to Irish people who are interested in working in EU institutions and underlined the Government’s support through the ‘A Career for EU’ strategy.

ENDS

Press Office

6 February 2026