The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, today appeared before Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on the European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health (SANT).

Minister Carroll MacNeill discussed Ireland’s EU Presidency Health Programme, legislative priorities and objectives with MEPs at today’s hearings. These priorities include the Biotech Act and the simplification of the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulations – both of which, when enacted, will result in better access to medicines and medtech devices for patients. During the Irish Presidency, discussions will also support the implementation of the European Health Data Space, advancing Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, as well as promoting improved mental health policies.

Minister Carroll MacNeill, said:

"I am grateful to the SANT Committee for their engagement with me today on Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

“At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, health security threats, demographic change and pressure on public finances, cooperation at European level on health has never been more important. Ireland is committed to delivering a Presidency that is fair, pragmatic and focused on results for patients across Europe.

"Healthier populations, resilient health services, innovation and a predictable regulatory environment are fundamental to Europe’s economic and social strength. Health policy will play a pivotal role in advancing the Irish Presidency’s priorities of values, security and competitiveness, by working to progress key files that support innovation and patient safety, including the Biotech Act, and the simplification of the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulations.

“We know that cardiovascular disease claims 1.7 million lives across the EU every year. Alongside Health Checks, we must do more to prevent disease before it starts. We look forward to the Commission’s proposed revision of the Tobacco Products Directive and to advancing discussions on how investment in health can contribute to both better outcomes for citizens and a more competitive and healthier Europe.”

The Irish Presidency’s health agenda, under the theme “investing in health to enable competitiveness,” reflects a strategic commitment to strengthening the EU’s global competitiveness while ensuring high-quality, effective healthcare delivery for European citizens.

The central focus of the Presidency is the advancement of key EU legislative priorities. Two priority legislative dossiers — the Biotech Act I and simplification of the Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulations (MDR/IVDR) — will be at the forefront. These aim to address pressing challenges and opportunities related to access, innovation, and competitiveness in the health and life sciences sectors. The Irish Presidency will seek a Council General Approach on medical device regulatory reforms, progress negotiations on the Biotech Act Regulation, and conduct trilogue negotiations to secure political agreement on the Biotech Act Directive should the Parliament adopt its position in time.

The Presidency programme is structured around three areas of strategic focus. First, Ireland will lead discussions on the future of medicines, promoting innovation in life sciences, clinical trials, and regulatory frameworks to support both competitiveness and sustainable access to treatments.

Second, the Presidency will highlight evidence-based prevention strategies and address health inequalities. We will progress negotiations on the Council Recommendation on health checks for cardiovascular diseases which is expected to be published later this year, as well as facilitating exchanges on early detection and increasing focus on women’s health, including endometriosis, recognising its broader societal and economic impact. Ireland will emphasise the importance and impact of the EU’s approach to integrating mental health into all policies and will explore ways of strengthening Europe’s health security architecture by ensuring mental health remains integral to resilience, crisis preparedness and the management of cross border health threats.

Third, Ireland will prioritise the implementation of digital health systems and data sharing. Progressing the European Health Data Space will be key, enabling secure, interoperable data use to support research, innovation, and the development of safe and effective AI in healthcare.