Duncan Smith
Question:34. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department has engaged with the German Government in regard to persons (details supplied). [69079/26]
View answerDepartmental Communications
Questions (34, 35, 58, 64)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:35. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on her monitoring of the trial of a person (details supplied). [69362/26]
View answer
Ruth Coppinger
Question:58. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she is concerned about practices at the trial of an Irish Citizen in Germany (details supplied). [69379/26]
View answerRuth Coppinger
Question:64. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on the engagement she has had with an Irish citizen on trial in Germany (details supplied) who is part of the "Ulm 5". [69377/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 35, 58 and 64 together.
I am following developments in this consular case very closely and will continue to do so. I would like to acknowledge that this is a difficult time for the citizen and the family.
I can assure you that my Department places a high priority on the welfare of our citizens in detention overseas. That has been a long-standing commitment and our approach to this case is no different.
I can confirm that I raised the case of the Irish citizen concerned with State Secretary Thomas Steffen of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy when I met with him on 22 May. The Taoiseach and Chancellor Merz addressed this case in their joint press conference in July.
My Department, in particular our Consulate General in Munich, supported by our Embassy in Berlin and the Consular Directorate here in Dublin, has been providing consular assistance to the citizen since September 2025, when we were first notified of the case. My officials have engaged with great seriousness and care for the well-being of the citizen. A dedicated consular officer in the Consulate General in Munich has been assigned to provide consular assistance and support to the citizen and their family. We have paid very close attention to their welfare, most importantly through seven prison visits to the citizen by staff, including the Consul General, from the Consulate General in Munich. The most recent visit by the Consul General to the citizen in detention took place on 1 September and a further visit is scheduled for next week.
These visits are an important opportunity to assess the conditions of detention and to check on the welfare of the citizen. They provide an opportunity for the citizen to raise any concerns about their treatment with us. In turn, the Consulate General has kept the citizen’s family informed about these visits and remains in direct contact with the family.
I am aware that a delegation of members of the Oireachtas and European Parliament travelled to Germany in July to observe one of the hearings in their case, and that some members of the delegation also visited the citizen in detention. My officials facilitated and offered advice to members of the delegation in undertaking the visit.
Germany, as a member state of the European Union, shares our foundational commitment to the rule of law. We all recognise that laws and practices across the world can differ greatly. Naturally, there are aspects of the legal process in Germany that may operate differently from a legal process in Ireland.
At the most fundamental level, when we provide consular assistance to citizens in detention overseas we seek to assure ourselves that Irish citizens are being treated no differently by the justice system than any other person in their situation, including nationals of the country concerned. My Department is satisfied that the citizen in this case is being treated equally before the law compared with any German citizen in their situation.
The citizen’s German legal team is best placed to provide legal advice and to act on their behalf in relation to the proceedings. At the same time, this does not prevent my Department from closely monitoring developments and maintaining regular contact with the citizen. My officials will continue to be available to the citizen to discuss any matters relating to their welfare, conditions of detention and consular assistance needs, and we will continue our focus on providing compassionate, appropriate consular assistance.
I am aware that there will be a regular schedule of trial hearings in the coming weeks. My officials will continue to follow developments closely, and I have asked that they continue to keep me updated.
Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 34.
Foreign Policy
Questions (36)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:36. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the need to block trade with illegal settlements in the Palestinian West Bank; her views on the need to freeze assets of companies who support the genocide in Gaza; and to sanction members of the IDF and Israeli Ministers. [69381/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Act came into effect on 15 September. The importation of goods originating in Israeli settlements into Ireland is now an offence under section 14 of the Customs Act 2015. The Act fulfils the commitment set out in the Programme for Government.
The Act will contribute positively to Ireland’s efforts to uphold and comply with international law, including the findings of the 2024 ICJ Advisory Opinion, as well as contributing positively to Irish and international efforts to prevent unilateral actions that impinge upon the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and upon the viability of the two-State solution.
In addition to the legislation we have enacted at the national level, the Government remains focused on progressing action at the EU level to prohibit all trade with Israeli settlements. Collective EU action will have greater impact than any measures adopted by an individual Member State and is the strongest and most effective route to ensure EU compliance with international law, as I have set out in detail on a number of previous occasions.
The Government supports targeted sanctions against Israeli individuals and entities and has consistently called for appropriate action at EU level in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles.
It should be noted that Ireland implements EU and UN sanctions. Ireland does not have a domestic sanctions framework. EU sanctions are designed to align with international law by operating within the legal frameworks of the UN Charter and the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. EU sanctions are always targeted.
There are almost fifty EU sanctions regimes, and they are all designed with reference to the particular context or issue at hand. The application of sanctions by all EU Member States increases their reach and impact. This is why it remains the Government’s preference that collective action would be taken at EU level.
Ireland welcomed political agreement at the May Foreign Affairs Council on sanctions against violent Israeli settlers and entities, as well as leading Hamas figures, under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. The measures were formally adopted on 28 May.
Ireland has consistently supported consideration of additional sanctions, including the proposals brought forward by the Commission President in September 2025 concerning extremist Israeli ministers, and believes that further measures are required.
Northern Ireland
Questions (37)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:37. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department has begun any internal planning concerning future constitutional change. [69351/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government states clearly that this Government is committed to the unity of the Irish people. This can only be achieved through a sustained focus on and investment in reconciliation. We remain steadfast in implementing the Good Friday Agreement in full and supporting the function of all of its institutions.
Our commitment is backed by our Shared Island Initiative, to which we have allocated €2 billion through to 2035.
The Initiative is enabling the largest-ever programme of all-island investment across all sectors, to build a more connected island, in terms of infrastructure, services, our economy and, crucially, between people.
The Shared Island Initiative is just one part of our work to promote peace and reconciliation on this island, work that also includes my Department's Reconciliation Fund, which awards grants to organisations working to build better relations within and between traditions in Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Britain. My Department also supports and provides the Dublin Secretariat for the International Fund for Ireland which continues to do important work in Northern Ireland and the border counties.
The Government is working to build a more prosperous and reconciled island for people North and South, and in the event of a future referendum, we will make all necessary preparations, in accordance with the terms of the Constitution and the principles and procedures of the Agreement.
International Bodies
Questions (38, 51)
Sinéad Gibney
Question:38. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether she has advocated for the use of the EU blocking mechanism to protect US citizens in Europe facing sanctions from the Trump administration. [69075/26]
View answerSinéad Gibney
Question:51. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps her Department is taking to support the work of the International Criminal Court and to oppose the sanctions currently being imposed on judges and prosecutors in the ICC by the United States. [69074/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 51 together.
Ireland is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which we view as the cornerstone of the international system of criminal justice. I deeply regret the imposition of US sanctions against thirteen officials of the ICC. Such measures threaten to corrode the international legal order on which all states – but particularly small states like Ireland – depend.
I am aware of ongoing reports that the United States is considering sanctioning the ICC as an institution, which would very significantly impede the operational capacity of the Court. The ICC must be allowed to continue its important work, independently and impartially.
Ireland has been consistent in calling for all measures against the ICC to be withdrawn. The Taoiseach reiterated this principled position during his address to the UN General Assembly during UN High Level Week on 24 September.
The Government believes that a coordinated EU response is the most effective way to protect the ICC and its officials. In our role as President of the EU Council, Ireland is committed to playing its part in maintaining full solidarity with the Court at this crucial moment.
The European Union's Blocking Statute is an important tool available to the EU to help protect European economic operators from the extra-territorial application of third country laws. Ireland has called on the Commission to commence preparatory work on amending the Blocking Statute so that it can be quickly activated to protect the ICC at the most appropriate time, having regard to when its activation will have the greatest impact in defending the Court and ensuring continuity of its activities. We stand fully ready to ensure the earliest possible consideration by the Council of any Commission proposal to apply the EU’s Blocking Statute to US sanctions on the ICC.
In addition, it's essential to support the ICC in building resilience and encouraging financial institutions and service providers to continue to engage with the Court. Ireland has been actively engaging with fellow EU Member States and the European Commission to this end.
Ireland will continue to work with the Court, relevant stakeholders and our international partners in support of the ICC and its vital mandate to end impunity.
Foreign Policy
Questions (39)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:39. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views that there are infringements on the right to protest in Germany in relation to the right of people to protest in solidarity with the Palestinian people. [69380/26]
View answerWritten answers
The promotion and protection of human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, are vital elements of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland consistently advocates for the protection of these rights internationally and encourages all States to uphold their obligations under international human rights law.
These principles guide all of our engagements with Germany.
Germany is a democratic constitutional state governed by the rule of law, where state authority is bound by the constitution, the law, and the justice system. Fundamental rights are protected through the German constitution as well as through Germany’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and other international instruments.
Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 6.
Question No. 41 answered with Question No. 25.
Departmental Meetings
Questions (42)
Thomas Gould
Question:42. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of times she has met with the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland in the past 12 months. [68493/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland continues to maintain diplomatic channels of communication with Israel, following the decision of the government of Israel in December 2024 to close its embassy in Dublin. Our embassy in Israel continues to carry out important work.
The Ambassador of Israel to Ireland, Her Excellency Ms Dana Erlich, is accredited to Ireland on a non-resident basis. I have not met with her in the past 12 months.
United Nations
Questions (43, 61)
Duncan Smith
Question:43. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a report from the UN General Assembly. [69081/26]
View answer
John Connolly
Question:61. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on her attendance at the United Nations High-Level Week. [68947/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 61 together.
I attended the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly last week in New York. Ireland's delegation was led by an Taoiseach and also included my colleague, Neale Richmond, TD, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora. High-Level Week provides an important opportunity to advance Ireland's foreign policy priorities through participation in high-level events and engagement with a wide range of interlocutors.
This year, reflecting many of our EU Presidency priorities, our focus was on support for multilateralism and the international legal order, addressing the conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, Ireland's long-standing commitment to human rights and accountability, including in the context of our candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term, and on highlighting Ireland's support for the Sustainable Development Goals and humanitarian action.
To begin the week, I co-hosted an event with Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafza on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan five years after the Taliban takeover. This event called on the international community to take action to end the systematic exclusion of women and girls from public life and to address the profound human rights and humanitarian crises in Afghanistan. We were joined by Afghan women civil society leaders and by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. The Taoiseach also highlighted the unacceptable situation in Afghanistan in Ireland's National Statement to the General Assembly, which he delivered on Thursday, 24 September. Throughout the week, the delegation had a strong focus on the global push back on gender and women's rights in engagements.
High-Level Week also provided opportunities to demonstrate Ireland's steadfast support for Ukraine. I participated in a high-level meeting on the forced transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia and joined other Foreign Ministers at an event highlighting the global impact of Russia's illegal war of aggression, including disruption of supply chains, higher prices and increased food insecurity.
At the meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, I underlined Ireland’s commitment to working with partners to end the conflict and achieve a lasting peace based on the two-State solution. The Taoiseach represented Ireland at an event co-hosted by Canada, France, and the UK marking the one-year anniversary of the New York Declaration and launched a Save the Children High-Level Dialogue on Palestinian Children in Military Detention with Queen Rania of Jordan. The war in the Gulf was also a key issue for discussion throughout the week, including the implications for global shipping security arising from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and instability in the Bab al Mandab.
Reflecting our EU Presidency priorities, I also spoke at an event on strengthening cooperation for a secure and stable maritime domain. I reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to maritime security, the protection of critical undersea infrastructure, safeguarding freedom of navigation and upholding international law.
I attended the annual meeting of the Informal Ministerial Network for the International Criminal Court to demonstrate Ireland’s solidarity with the ICC and the need to safeguard the integrity of the Court. Reaffirming Ireland's commitment to international humanitarian law and protection for aid workers and other civilians, I also co-sponsored a High-Level event on International Humanitarian Law and Humanitarian Action.
Minister of State Richmond's programme provided a critical opportunity to advance Ireland’s priorities on education, food security, humanitarian protection and sustainable development, and to engage with international partners on strengthening multilateral cooperation and the effectiveness of the UN development system. The Taoiseach also had a strong focus in his programme on Ireland's long-standing support to development cooperation and humanitarian action, including speaking at a High-Level event with UNICEF on children’s nutrition.
Throughout the week, I also held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts, as did the Taoiseach and Minister of State Richmond.
During the visit, I also took the opportunity to meet with Irish companies investing and creating jobs in the United States and with key US investors in Ireland. I met with members of the Irish community in New York and visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York to mark the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The Taoiseach met with New York Governor, Kathy Hochul, and with New York Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and visited the New York Irish Centre in Long Island City. He also met with members of the Strategic Economic Advisory Panel.
Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 14.
EU Meetings
Questions (45)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:45. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the next meeting of the EU General Affairs Council will take place; and the likely agenda for the meeting. [69059/26]
View answerWritten answers
The General Affairs Council (GAC) will next meet on 13 October in Luxembourg. The Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, will chair the meeting as Presidency. The October Council meeting will also build on progress made at both the informal GAC in Dublin on 3-4 September as well as the GAC in Brussels on 22 September.
Topics on the agenda in October include an update on the simplification agenda and the joint declaration on the legislative priorities for 2027 and the One Europe, One Market Roadmap. GAC Ministers will hold a discussion on the state of play on the rule of law in Hungary and are expected to approve Council conclusions on the importance of inclusive democratic participation. The GAC will also prepare the meeting of the EU leaders at the European Council (15-16 October) which will look at competitiveness, Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, the MFF and enlargement and reforms.
The Presidency will also host an event on the margins of the GAC in October to mark the accession of candidate countries to the European Centre for Democratic Resilience.
On the enlargement side, the Presidency would hope to hold a number of Intergovernmental Councils (IGCs) on the margins of this meeting to make progress on the accession process of candidate countries.
A key issue for the GAC in October will be the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034. The Presidency continues to advance negotiations on the MFF so that Leaders can reach agreement on this vital long term budget by the end of the year. Ireland is aiming to deliver a revised negotiating box that represents a pragmatic and fair compromise that can be acceptable to all Member States. Ensuring that the Union is equipped with a budget that can provide for our citizens, communities and businesses is core objective for our Presidency.
Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 29.
Foreign Conflicts
Questions (47, 90)
Shay Brennan
Question:47. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her response to the recent attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport. [69030/26]
View answer
James O'Connor
Question:90. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her response to recent Russian hybrid attacks against the European Union and its Member States. [69295/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 90 together.
The Government has strongly condemned Russia’s attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport in August.
This activity is part of a clear trend. It forms part of a broader, coordinated, and long-standing hybrid campaign aimed at threatening and undermining the security, resilience and democratic foundations of the EU, its Member States and its partners.
In response to the Leipzig incident, I expressed my full solidarity with Germany, and with all Member States affected by Russia’s reckless and increasingly frequent hybrid attacks. I discussed the issue with the HRVP, Kaja Kallas, and my German and other EU counterparts at the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers I hosted in Druid's Glen in early September.
The Ambassador of the Russian Federation was summoned by senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 3 September to hear expression of Ireland’s strong condemnation. Many of our EU partners also did so. Russia’s attempts to divide us and to weaken our support for Ukraine will not succeed.
Ireland is extremely concerned at the continued increased in hybrid activity. Russia’s actions threaten the security of EU citizens, as well as regional stability and international peace.
We support the full use of all tools available to prevent, deter, and respond to Russia’s hybrid activities, including through sanctions.
As Presidency, we are working closely with EU partners to navigate our complex and evolving threat environment, including in response to the events of recent weeks and months. Security is one of Ireland’s overarching Presidency priorities and across all areas, the Irish Presidency promotes a coherent, inclusive and coordinated approach to the Union’s security and defence agenda.
We have prioritised implementation of the EU Hybrid Toolbox and work to strengthen cooperation with partners, including those most affected by hybrid activity. We are focused also on the EU response to Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and the threats posed to critical infrastructure by hybrid activity.
Like other Member States, Ireland is susceptible to these malicious acts and the Government takes the risks posed by hybrid activity extremely seriously. We continue to work with our EU partners to strengthen our collective resilience.
Domestically, the Government is implementing a range of relevant measures to combat hybrid threats from state and non-state actors, including Russia, its proxies and aligned actors.
Diaspora Issues
Questions (48)
Peter Roche
Question:48. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures her Department is taking to strengthen engagement between the Irish diaspora and regional communities such as Galway; and the way in which the Government is supporting regions to use their international and diaspora connections to generate economic, cultural and community opportunities. [67437/26]
View answerWritten answers
I launched Ireland’s third Diaspora Strategy at the Global Irish Civic Forum on the 30th of April, delivering on the commitment set out in the Programme for Government.
In developing our new strategy, I led the largest ever consultation with the Irish abroad, including over 27 in-person meetings worldwide including one in Galway. We also hosted the first ever online consultation, the Global Irish Survey, which ran throughout the summer of 2025.
The outcome of this extensive consultation process is a strategy that sets out 23 commitments built around the challenges and opportunities that were shared with us. Our strategy has been warmly welcomed by Irish communities overseas.
The strategy includes a specific commitment to deliver workshops for local authorities interested in developing diaspora engagement strategies. Work on delivering this will commence shortly.
Recognising the strong interest among the diaspora in the Irish language, the strategy also commits supporting Udaras na Gaeltachta in the implementation of their own diaspora strategy
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the Emigrant Support Programme, also supports organisations based in Ireland who work with the Irish diaspora including NGOs who support returning Irish Emigrants. In 2026, we funded two Galway based projects. Ireland Reaching Out based in Loughrea received a grant of €55,000 for a Diaspora Engagement & Community Links Project and an allocation of over €41,000 was awarded to the University of Galway Foundation for their project Irish Emigrant Letters and Life Stories from North America, c. 1660–1960.
Our embassy and consulate network also engage with visits and trade missions from representatives of regional communities such as the recent visit to Chicago and Milwaukee by the Mayor of Galway, Helen Ogbu, which was supported by Consulate General in Chicago.
Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 25.
Foreign Policy
Questions (50)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:50. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her position on the banning of political parties by Israel's central elections committee ahead of elections there next month. [69251/26]
View answerWritten answers
I am concerned that Israel's Central Elections Committee voted to disqualify the two Arab-majority lists contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections in Israel. If this decision is not overturned, it would exclude Arab-majority parties contesting the elections. I note that the Committee also voted to disqualify two individual candidates standing for those parties.
It is essential that the elections, scheduled to take on Tuesday, 27 October, are held in a free, fair and inclusive context. Arab citizens of Israel make up approximately twenty percent of Israel’s population.
I note that the decision of the Central Elections Committee is subject to review by the Israeli Supreme Court. In past elections, the Israeli Supreme Court has consistently overturned attempts to disqualify Arab-majority parties, citing a commitment to protecting democratic franchise and freedom of speech.
Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 38.
Budget 2027
Questions (52, 80)
Brian Brennan
Question:52. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government will be maintaining or increasing current levels of foreign aid funding in budget 2027. [69231/26]
View answerDuncan Smith
Question:80. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will increase foreign aid in budget 2027. [69080/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 80 together.
The Government remains committed to the UN target to provide 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) in Official Development Assistance (ODA). This commitment was reaffirmed in A Better World, Ireland's International Development Policy and in the Programme for Government, which commits to increases in ODA, towards the 0.7% target.
Ireland’s total ODA amounted to €1.88 billion in 2025, representing 0.44% of GNI. In recent years, the Government has consistently increased the allocation for the Irish Aid programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which works to address the needs of some of the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries and communities and those living in areas affected by conflict.
Budget 2026 provided an allocation of over €840 million for the Irish Aid programme. This was the highest ever allocation in the programme's 52-year history.
Ahead of Budget 2027, I an working to ensure an ODA allocation for the programme in 2027 which continues to deliver on Ireland’s commitment to reaching the furthest behind first. I am also working through our EU Presidency to facilitate discussions at political level on the European Union's continuing commitment to development cooperation, including at the forthcoming informal meeting of EU Development Ministers in Dublin on 8-9 October.
Diaspora Issues
Questions (53, 59, 81)
Cathy Bennett
Question:53. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her engagements with members and representative groups of the diaspora community; and if she has discussed driver licence exchange in such engagements. [69326/26]
View answer
Matt Carthy
Question:59. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on the support she has provided the Department of Transport regarding the programme for Government commitment to work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada. [69290/26]
View answerMatt Carthy
Question:81. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the countries with which the State has reciprocal recognition of drivers licenses for the purposes of exchange, which her Department has provided assistance to the Department of Transport regarding; and the countries for with which they are currently providing assistance with a view to securing same. [69298/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 59 and 81 together.
I launched Ireland’s third Diaspora Strategy covering the period 2026-2030 at the Global Irish Civic Forum on the 30th of April. In developing our new strategy, I led the largest ever consultation with the Irish abroad, including over 27 in-person meetings, including with Oireachtas members and the first ever online consultation, the Global Irish Survey, which ran throughout the summer of 2025.
The outcome of this extensive consultation process is a strategy that sets out 23 commitments built around the challenges and opportunities that were shared with us, including issues affecting those wishing to return to Ireland, such as PPS numbers, matters relating to non-EEA spouses, driving license exchange agreements and the recognition of qualifications. An Action Plan for the new Strategy will be published in the period ahead.
I meet with representatives of our diaspora around the world on an ongoing basis. There has been widespread welcome for our new strategy and these meetings provide a chance to discuss a range of issues of interest to our overseas communities including the Emigrant Support Programme, promoting our sports and culture, contributing to the Government's trade and economic priorities and issues relating to returning home.
Ireland currently has 21 reciprocal driving license agreements with other jurisdictions, namely Australia, 7 Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and Saskatchewan), Georgia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle Of Man, Japan, Jersey, Moldova, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
An exchange agreement with Nova Scotia (the 8th of the 10 Canadian provinces) is currently being finalised.
More details on exchanging license including the categories that can be exchanged can be found on the Returning to Ireland Hub on the Citizens Information Board website – citizensinformation.ie. The Hub provides a wealth of practical information for anyone considering returning to Ireland.
In line with the Programme for Government, work is underway to support returning Irish emigrants from the US by establishing reciprocal driving licence exchange agreements. Responsibility for concluding such agreements lies with the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
In the case of the US, exchange agreements have to be concluded at State level and direct engagements are ongoing between the RSA and their counterparts in New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
There is widespread political commitment on both sides to delivering exchange agreements between Ireland and US states. Our Embassy and Consulates use suitable opportunities at political and administrative level to continue to stress the importance Ireland attaches to finalising these agreements. Our Ambassador to the US, for example, highlighted the matter when she spoke at the Massachusetts Ireland Trade Commission earlier this year.
I have met the Irish–US Driver’s Licence Exchange Committee on a number of occasions, most recently at the Global Irish Civic Forum in April.