Tánaiste Simon Harris said there are an additional 26 posts allocated in the department for the EU presidency and 'we’re utilising, in the first instance, the skills that exist'. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA WireThe potential for conflicts of interest to arise from Government plans to use staff from corporate law and accountancy firms during Ireland’s European Union presidency has been downplayed by Tánaiste Simon Harris. Last weekend The Irish Times reported that two Government departments – Enterprise and Climate – are set to temporarily take on private sector staff to provide expertise during the presidency in the second half of 2026. Harris was asked about the matter by Labour Party TD Ged Nash during an appearance at the Oireachtas finance committee. Harris also insisted there is “very significant expertise in the Department of Finances” while saying, “we are beefing up our own position”.

Source: The Irish Times March 05, 2026 15:01 UTC