Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2025
5. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide details of all instances when a Head of State or Government of an EU member state visited Ireland but was not formally received by the President, the Taoiseach or the Minister for foreign affairs from 2000 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52315/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraVisits to Ireland by foreign Heads of State and Government provide an important opportunity to promote Ireland’s interests and values internationally. They contribute to the development of strong economic, political and cultural links between Ireland and other States.
A State Visit is the highest level of official visit by a Head of State from one country to another. Invitations to foreign Heads of State to pay a State Visit to Ireland are formally extended by the President of Ireland. A State Visit includes engagement with the President and typically includes engagement with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, although the exact nature of each State Visit can vary according to circumstance.
A limited number of Official or Working Visits to Ireland by Heads of State or Government may also take place in any given year. Such visits typically do not include the same formal ceremonial elements as a State Visit, are shorter in duration, and may include a courtesy call on the President, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, with variations again arising according to circumstance.
In certain other circumstances, a Foreign Head of State or Government may choose to visit Ireland in a private capacity. It is at the discretion of the foreign country concerned whether or not to formally notify the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of such a visit through their accredited Embassy. While the Department does not maintain specific records of visits of this nature, it has been made aware of four such visits to Ireland by EU Heads of State or Government since 2020. In light of their private nature, the Department is not in a position to offer further information on the visits in question.
