Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
73. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on how Ireland has enhanced its diplomatic capacity January 2025; her priorities for the rest of 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53547/26]
View answer2025 marked the final year of the Global Ireland 2025 strategy. Under Global Ireland, Ireland’s diplomatic mission network has expanded by 27 to 107 missions. Since January 2025, new Embassies opened in Belgrade, Chisinau and Sarajevo, and a new Consulate General opened in Melbourne. The final diplomatic mission to open under Global Ireland 2025 is the Consulate General in Málaga. The Consul General has taken up duty and the mission is set to begin providing consular services in the coming months.
The Government has also continued to maximise the impact of our existing overseas offices through the development of Ireland House projects, involving the co-location of diplomatic missions and State Agencies in one premises, in strategic locations. New Ireland Houses were developed and opened in Tokyo and Chicago in 2025, and a new Ireland House was completed in Lyon in June 2026. New Ireland House property projects are underway in London and Toronto, with both expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
In addition to the new diplomatic missions and Ireland Houses, there has been significant expansion of diplomatic resources in key locations to support the objectives of the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification. In December, I announced the decision to assign additional officers to our Embassies and Consulates General in the USA, in Europe, in the Gulf region and in the Asia Pacific region. We are also currently reviewing our attaché networks, and State Agencies are examining their global footprints in line with diversifying trade and investment markets.
Throughout the rest of this year, my Department will continue to deliver on priority issues in line with commitments under the Programme for Government and the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2026-2029.
Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union commenced on 1 July and will continue until 31 December. We are taking forward an ambitious Presidency agenda, centered on the core themes of competitiveness, values and security. Core areas of focus will include the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, implementation of the 'One Europe, One Market Roadmap' to enhance the Union's competitiveness, plans to progress EU enlargement, and the safety of children online. During the Presidency, Ireland will host 22 informal ministerial meetings as well as a meeting of the European Political Community and an informal meeting of the European Council.
Throughout the Presidency, we will work with our EU partners to ensure that Ukraine’s security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and EU accession path remain at the forefront of the EU’s external agenda. We will continue political, humanitarian, economic and non-lethal military support to Ukraine.
Ireland will continue to advocate at EU and international level in support of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including in Israel and Palestine. I am also committed to passing the Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026, which I introduced in Dáil Éireann on 10 June.
My Department remains committed to reinforcing and protecting the multilateral system and the rules-based international order. We will continue to promote human rights, including by seeking election to the Human Rights Council in October for the 2027-2029 term, and demonstrate leadership on the Sustainable Development Goals. We will also continue to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those most in need and that country-level development programmes contribute to peace and security, sustainable development, reducing humanitarian need, gender equality, good governance, climate action, and inclusive economic growth.
Peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, sustained progress in the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the strengthening of our relationship with the United Kingdom remain a core focus. The timely and faithful implementation of the Joint Framework on Legacy is a particular priority for the remainder of 2026.
Driving Ireland’s trade and prosperity is a major focus for this Government. I will promote trade diversification to advance our economic interests overseas, including through chairing regular meetings of the Government Trade Forum. Through our enhanced diplomatic capacity, we will continue to strengthen Ireland’s global influence, connections and visibility abroad.
