Written Answers Nos. 136-155
136. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the Russian withdrawal from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57011/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra150. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to a recent United Nations report which suggests that some 60 politically motivated criminal cases are opened against Russian citizens every month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57165/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the recent arrest by the Russian authorities of Maxim Kruglov, deputy leader of Russia’s last remaining opposition party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra160. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the current human rights situation in Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57000/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 150, 157 and 160 together.
Ireland remains extremely concerned at the ongoing erosion of human rights and democracy in Russia, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we have seen arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as harassment and persecution, of peaceful anti-war activists, human rights defenders, journalists, cultural figures, members of the LGBTIQ+ community and ethnic minorities. Domestic opposition leaders have been arrested and prosecuted.
Mariana Katzarova, UN United Nations' Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Russia has reported that there are over 2,000 political prisoners in Russia, many of whom face life-threatening conditions. Some, including Alexei Navalny, have died in detention. Legislation has been introduced to limit civil society activity in Russia.
I am aware of the extremely concerning detention of Mr Maxim Kruglov earlier this month. I am also aware of the recent report from Ms Katzarova, which highlights the prosecution of at least 912 people on politically motivated grounds between 2024 and mid-2025. At the Human Rights Council last month, Ireland participated in an Interactive Dialogue with her, where we condemned the widespread use of torture, enforced disappearances, and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment as tools for systematic oppression within Russia and territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia.
I condemn the Russian government’s withdrawal from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Ireland has consistently condemned the mistreatment and torture of prisoners by the Russian Federation. The prevention and eradication of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment has been a key element of Ireland’s approach to human rights for decades. The government strongly believes that the absolute prohibition of torture is one of the cornerstones of the international human rights framework.
137. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland’s priorities for the EU presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57176/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. This will be an important opportunity for Ireland to lead and shape the European agenda, and this Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
Ireland's Presidency priorities and policy programme are under development, taking into account the EU's Strategic Agenda for 2024-29, the legislative programme proposed by the European Commission, and the Government's priorities in relation to the EU. Consultations with our European partners will also inform the development of our priorities and policy programme, as will the evolution of the Council’s legislative agenda through the current Presidency term of Denmark (July to December 2025) and that of Cyprus (January to June 2026).
A consultation process with domestic stakeholders will also guide the development of Ireland's Presidency policy programme and priorities. As a part of this process, my Department is organising a series of consultation meetings with stakeholders from across business, civil society, trade unions and other interest groups. A written consultation process will also be launched in the coming weeks to ensure that all stakeholders, and interested parties, have the opportunity to have their say on the development of Ireland's EU Presidency priorities and work programme.
Other Government Departments are also engaging in sector-specific Presidency consultations with stakeholder groups. This process will allow consideration to be given to a broad range of policy issues as our Presidency programme is developed.
Following the conclusion of this process, the Government will agree and publish the our programme of policy priorities for the Presidency in June 2026, shortly before the start of Ireland's Presidency term.
138. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the recent election in Moldova. [56954/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I said following the parliamentary elections on 28 September, the people of Moldova have clearly chosen a European future.
I would like to once again congratulate the Moldovan authorities on their successful election process – and to draw attention in particular to their success in safeguarding the integrity of their electoral process in the face of massive hybrid activity by Russia. There are valuable lessons to be learned from how the Moldovan Government managed to withstand and ultimately repel Russia’s attempts to interfere with their democratic processes – lessons which could help Eastern Neighbourhood countries facing elections in similarly contested spaces.
We welcome OSCE/ODIHR’s preliminary conclusions that the elections were competitive and offered voters a clear choice. These conclusions recognise the professional and orderly manner in which the Moldovan elections were managed.
The election results themselves confirm Moldova’s strong commitment to a future in the European Union. As a consistently strong supporter of Moldova’s accession aspirations, Ireland stands with Moldova on its path to the European Union as we prepare for our 2026 EU Presidency. We recently opened our first resident embassy in Chisinau this summer, which we hope will facilitate deeper engagement on Moldova’s EU accession, as well as strengthen our bilateral relations.
142. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the Government's position in relation to potential increased tariffs; and the preparations it is making for same. [57181/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21 August the EU and the US published the Joint Statement on an EU-US Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade.
The deal confirmed a single 15% tariff on EU goods, inclusive of current MFN rates. It also made absolutely clear that any new tariffs announced by the US under its Section 232 investigation – including on pharmaceuticals – would be capped at this level. This remains the case and underlines again the value of the agreement reached in August. This clear all-inclusive 15% tariff ceiling for EU exports represents an insurance policy that no higher tariffs will emerge for Irish and European economic operators.
In advance of the publication of the Joint Statement I had significant engagement with EU and US interlocutors including US Commerce Secretary Lutnick and Trade Representative Greer, EU Commissioner Šefcovic and many of my European counterparts.
The Joint Statement also includes lower tariff rate carve outs for aircraft and aircraft parts, automobile and automobile parts, with further carve outs to be determined for certain products in generic pharmaceuticals and chemical precursors. These tariff rates will be at the pre-existing US MFN rate, most of which are zero. This is welcome.
The Joint Statement provides a degree of stability and certainty in what has been a very difficult period for Irish and European exporters to the US. However, we also are acutely aware of the impact of higher tariffs and the existing difficulties that many Irish exporters have already faced this year, as well as possible implications for the all island economy.
Importantly, the Joint Statement leaves the door open for negotiation of further tariff reductions in the future on products of strategic common interest. Ireland’s is now working with the European Commission to see what exemptions can be made in areas of interest for Irish exporters, including spirits and medical devices.
I have and will continue to engage intensively with these sectors and others in order to understand their concerns and see what Government can do to support them. In addition I will continue to convene meetings of the Government Trade Forum which brings together members from across Government, as well as from bodies representing employers and employees, to discuss the implications of US tariffs and the new transatlantic trade and investment relationship.
The new international trading reality also brings into sharp focus the imperative for Ireland and the EU to diversify our markets with new global partners. While we want to continue to do business with the US and indeed want to grow business, it is important that we take every opportunity to identify these new markets. The Government Action Plan on Market Diversification was published on 25 August and seeks to support this.
We must continue to control what we can control in order to continue to make our country, and our European Union, as competitive as possible, as good a location as possible for investment and job creation.
143. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on Ireland's participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56945/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland was represented the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on 10 July by Neale Richmond T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Ukraine was represented at the conference by President Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Sybiha.
This annual event is important in terms of mobilising continued international support for the recovery, reconstruction, reform, and modernisation of Ukraine. At the conference, Minister Richmond delivered a national statement, setting out Ireland’s commitment to maintaining its solidarity and support for Ukraine, including for its recovery and reconstruction.
The ongoing destruction wrought by Russia in its continuing war of aggression in Ukraine makes it difficult to assess the eventual cost of reconstruction. Most recent World Bank estimates have put the eventual reconstruction cost at US$486 billion, a figure which continues to rise.
Ireland has provided both humanitarian and stabilisation support bilaterally to Ukraine, focused on early recovery efforts, while engaging at EU and multilateral level on discussions around longer-term reconstruction.
Ireland has participated at previous international conferences in Lugano, Berlin, Paris and London. These meetings have focused on putting in place the necessary structures and mechanisms for a successful longer-term reconstruction effort.
144. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the progress made towards achieving the 0.7% of gross national income being spent on official development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56942/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government remains committed to the target agreed at the UN to provide 0.7% of Gross National Income in Official Development Assistance (ODA). The commitment was reaffirmed in 2019 in A Better World, Ireland's International Development Policy, and again in the Programme for Government.
Ireland’s ODA consists of funding from various sources, the principal of which is Irish Aid, Ireland’s development assistance programme, which is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Other sources include contributions from other Government Departments, Ireland's share of the EU Development Cooperation Budget and eligible supports for refugees in their first year in Ireland.
It is important to note that the refugee costs eligible for reporting as ODA are calculated retrospectively, and that no such funding has ever been sourced from the allocation for the Irish Aid programme.
Ireland’s total ODA for 2024 was €2.35 billion, representing 0.56% of Gross National Income (GNI). With first-year Ukrainian refugee costs excluded, the percentage of GNI was 0.41%.
In recent years, the Government has consistently increased the allocation for the Irish Aid programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with a view to addressing the needs of those living in some of the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries and those living in areas affected by conflict.
For 2026 this allocation stands at €840.3 million, an increase of €30 million on 2025. This is the highest ever allocation in the 52-year history of Ireland's development programme.
In line with the Programme for Government and our International Development Policy, we are committed to maintaining our focus on the furthest behind in 2026, and to providing the budgetary resources to enable us to do so.
145. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the objectives of his Department’s strategy for adapting to a changing geopolitical context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57052/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Statement of Strategy for 2025-2028 outlines six high-level goals to guide the work of the Department. Under the goal "Responding to a Changing Geopolitical Context", our objective is to reinforce and protect the multilateral system and the international legal order, with the UN Charter at its heart, which underpins Ireland’s security and allows us to promote our values; while we champion the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
To achieve this goal, the Government actively engages at political and official level in a wide range of multilateral institutions, including the UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, OECD, and WTO. In September, along with the Taoiseach and a number other Government Ministers, I attended the UN General Assembly High Level Week. We stressed the importance of the UN80 process in delivering effective reforms to ensure the UN’s responsiveness to global needs in the current geopolitical environment. We also reiterated the critical need for collective action to deal with in addressing Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, as well as in Sudan.
As an EU Member State, Ireland seeks to address and adapt to today’s global challenges by contributing to and supporting the implementation of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. Our engagement and collective action in this area serves to amplify Ireland’s voice in the world and strengthen our shared capacity to respond to the current geopolitical environment. The EU response to these challenges will be a priority during Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council in the second half of 2026.
The Department is active in promoting and strengthening international humanitarian and human rights law is promoted and strengthened, as well as supporting effective accountability mechanisms. As a demonstration to our commitment to continued advances in international commitments and human rights standards in a period where human rights norms are facing considerable pushback, we are standing for election for a seat on the Human Rights Council from 2027 to 2029.
Under this goal, my Department is also working to make a strong and consistent contribution towards a stable and secure international environment, through active engagement in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding; disarmament and non-proliferation, and promoting the resolution of disputes through multilateral diplomacy based on the principles of the UN Charter. It is also working on implementing an international security policy that is effective in the context of the evolving European security environment.
Ireland is actively engaged in international efforts to bring an end to Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Ireland continues to provide consistent political, humanitarian, economic and non-lethal military support to Ukraine, through bilateral and multilateral channels, while advocating for Ukraine’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity and EU accession path.
The conflict in the Middle East is a priority for Ireland's foreign policy. The Government consistently advocates for the two-State solution, and the equal right to self-determination, peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike, as well as full adherence to international law and international humanitarian law in the Middle East.
Reaching the furthest behind first is the overarching frame of Ireland’s international development policy A Better World. This is central to our continued leadership on revitalising the global commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. My Department supports efforts to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those most in need, that Country-level development programmes contribute to peace and security, and sustainable development, as well as prioritising gender equality, climate action and strengthening governance. We achieve this through our interventions in protection, food, people and inclusive economic growth.
One of the practical steps we have taken to support our capacity to respond to a changing geopolitical landscape is the expansion of our diplomatic footprint, first started under Global Ireland 2025. In this rapidly changing geopolitical context, our diplomatic network supports our efforts through bilateral, EU and multilateral engagement to promote these objectives which are firmly based on our values, and underpin our efforts to promote peace, security and development at home and overseas.
147. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his engagements with EU member states in relation to the full suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57161/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra165. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps Ireland will take ahead of next week’s EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, where Ministers are expected to discuss the partial suspension of the EU–Israel Association Agreement; whether Ireland is engaging with other Member States, including Germany, Italy and France, to support the suspension in view of Israel’s continued breaches of international law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57129/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 165 together.
The European Commission put forward a number of proposals in September, one of which was to suspend the core trade-related provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Ireland, along with a number of other Member States, has long argued for this measure, as the Agreement provides that the relations between the parties will be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which constitute an 'essential element' of that Agreement.
On 14 February 2024, the then Taoiseach and Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain were the first to write to the President of the European Commission requesting an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Furthermore, the letter requested that the Commission propose appropriate measures for the consideration of the Council, should it find that Israel is in breach of its obligations.
At the EU level, at every Foreign Affairs Council, Ireland has been at the forefront of calling for the EU to take meaningful action. Notwithstanding the positive and welcome recent developments with regard to a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, Ireland has made clear its view that the EU must keep the package of measures proposed by the Commission in response to Israeli human rights and other breaches on the table. In her State of the Union address, the President of the European Commission was clear on the rationale for tabling the package of proposals, which remains valid.
In addition, on the wider issue, together with many of my EU counterparts, I have stressed the need to ensure that the concept of a two-State solution resulting in a viable, contiguous Palestinian State in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, remains front and centre in the EU's approach, and that all future phases of the current agreement are conducive to its implementation.
148. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement his Department has had with the Hague Group; and the efforts which have been made to join the Hague Group in order to support that governmental bloc to maximise international diplomatic and legal action against Israel's human rights crimes and international law violations. [57178/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth I and my officials interact with a wide variety of international partners on the Middle East which remains a major priority for this Government.
Ireland’s engagement is guided by our longstanding and principled position, notably respect for international law, respect for the equal right to self-determination, peace, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and unwavering support for the two-State solution.
While Ireland is not a member of the group referred to by the Deputy, this Government is committed to working with partners around the world in service of these objectives. Ireland attended the recent Ministerial Meeting of the Hague Group that took place in New York on 26 September in an observer capacity at official level. Ireland also attended an Emergency Conference on Palestine convened by the Hague Group in Bogotá on 15-16 July, also in an observer capacity at official level.
Ireland is using its voice at the UN, at the EU and at other international bodies to pursue a sustainable, long-lasting peace for Israel and Palestine. Ireland welcomes the agreement on the first phase of a peace deal to end the war in Gaza. It is important now to continue to ensure that the first phase of the plan is implemented, while continuing work on the next phases.
Ireland stands ready to play our part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine through the implementation of the two-State solution, where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
149. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason for contradiction between parties in their understanding of what "safeguards for veterans" means within the Joint Framework that was agreed between him and Hilary Benn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56956/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Joint Framework I announced on 19 September alongside Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, sets out a comprehensive package aimed at providing truth, accountability, and, to the extent possible, justice for victims and families who lost loved ones during the Troubles.
The Joint Framework offers the best opportunity for addressing one of the most difficult issues of the peace process and is the culmination of months of intensive discussion with the British Government.
Last week the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, published the Bill amending the 2023 Legacy Act. This legislation is a vital first step in implementing commitments made in the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles, published by the two Governments on 19 September 2025.
As distinct from the Joint Framework, the series of protections for British army veterans announced by the British Government, on the same day as the Joint Framework, were not a product of bilateral negotiation or discussion.
While it is for the British government to outline any specific measures they intend to take forward in respect of veterans that are separate from the Joint Framework, it is both my clear understanding, and the view of the Government, that any accommodations made for witnesses, for example in respect of remote testimony, will apply to all equally.
While we are continuing to analyse in detail the full scope of the Bill published by the UK government last Tuesday, my preliminary analysis is that there are no specific statutory protections for veterans in the legislation that do not equally apply to other witnesses.
I would stress that overriding objective of this Framework is to provide pathways to truth and justice for all those affected by the violence of the Troubles. Every family, from every community, is entitled to that. Every person involved in those legacy processes is entitled to have their legal rights respected and to due process. That must apply equally, and to everyone.
152. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the implementation of the Ireland and Germany joint plan of action for enhanced bilateral and EU Cooperation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57054/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Germany-Ireland Joint Plan of Action has delivered a step change in our relationship with Germany, one of our closest European partners. The current, third iteration of the Joint Plan of Action has been in place since June 2024 and reflects the strength of our existing bilateral relationship as well as setting an ambitious agenda for further deepening cooperation across numerous topics including EU issues, foreign and security policy, defence, finance, agriculture, climate and development cooperation.
This cooperation will intensify further as we prepare to take up the Presidency of the Council of the European Union next year. Germany will be a vital partner for us in delivering a positive agenda for the EU.
To support the Joint Plan of Action, as part of the Global Ireland Strategy, we have in recent years opened two new Consulates General in Germany, in Frankfurt and in Munich. These two new missions have increased Ireland's impact in those regions and added further value depth and reach to our relationship with Germany.
There has been intense bilateral political engagement as part of the current Joint Plan of Action and a strong programme of visits between Ireland and Germany. Since the new German Government took office, I have met with my Foreign Minister counterpart, Johann Wadephul in Berlin, and the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne has met his counterpart, Minister Gunther Krichbaum. Ministers Burke and Donohoe have also recently travelled to Frankfurt, where we will formally open the new Consulate General offices next month. The Joint Plan of Action recognises the exchange of views between elected representatives as a crucial part of bilateral relations, and in the last year, delegations from a number of German states including Lower Saxony and Bavaria have conducted successful visits to Ireland.
The Joint Plan of Action provides for annual meetings between German and Irish think-tanks as well as an exchange of diplomats. In November 2024, the German Irish Joint Vision Forum, a partnership between foreign ministries and think-tanks, took place in Dublin. The next iteration will take place in Berlin in December.
Last September, an Irish diplomat took up duties for one year in Germany’s Federal Foreign Office. This secondment was completed successfully, and Germany has undertaken to send an officer to work at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2026, in advance of and during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
In sum, our bilateral relationship with Germany continues to go from strength to strength and I look forward to further developing our links with our German counterparts in the context of our Presidency next year.
153. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, and Ireland’s position on the adoption of the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57131/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra154. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed EU-Mercosur trade agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49376/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question No 153 and Question No 154 together.
The European Commission presented its final package on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement on 3 September for onward adoption and approval by the Council of the European Union and European Parliament. The package includes the consolidated text of the original agreement negotiated in 2019 and the additional legal instrument addressing trade and sustainability commitments which was agreed last December. It also includes several accompanying initiatives, which are intended to address agricultural sector concerns.
Throughout the negotiations of this agreement, the Government made clear to the Commission Ireland’s key requirements in regard to the deal. We repeatedly raised concerns in relation to our priority areas of climate, biodiversity, deforestation, as well as protections and assurances in regard to incomes of farmers in Ireland.
We have always been clear that such agreements must defend our most vulnerable sectors and that our farmers’ livelihoods must not be undermined through weak or ineffective environmental standards in other countries. This position is clearly outlined in the Programme for Government, which, in January 2025, stated that the Government will work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal. In our trade negotiations, we have always been guided by standing up for and defending the interests of Irish farmers, along with raising concerns on climate, biodiversity and deforestation.
I wish to assure the Deputies that I and my officials have continued to engage at EU level – with both the European Commission and with counterparts in EU Member States, including like-minded countries – to voice our concerns with the agreement and to interrogate the outcome of negotiations to assess if our concerns have been adequately addressed.
The Government has remained in regular contact with Irish stakeholders from the agriculture, environment and business sectors, as we sought to fully understand their concerns. In early October, during EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefcovic’s visit to Ireland, we discussed international trade developments, including the EU-Mercosur agreement, and his engagement with a range of different stakeholders, including environmental NGOs.
It is now important that we take time to assess the agreement package in its entirety.
155. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which the €10 million investment in new embassies and consulates under Budget 2026 will be geographically allocated to support Irish citizens and businesses abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57062/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra172. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic and consular network globally under the Global Ireland strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57061/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 172 together.
Global Ireland 2025 was launched by Government with the aim of doubling Ireland’s footprint and impact by 2025. Under the strategy, Ireland’s diplomatic footprint has expanded significantly with the opening or announcement of twenty-seven new missions.
In March 2024, five diplomatic missions were announced. They are embassies in Belgrade, Chisinau and Sarajevo; and consulates general in Málaga and Melbourne. The three embassies are now operational, with the consulates general scheduled to become so over the course of 2026. Budget 2026 includes an investment of €9.7 million in the opening and operation of these five new missions.
The Government will also invest an additional €2.5 million to reinforce Ireland’s mission network across the USA and strengthen Ireland’s presence in key locations around the world as part of our Market Diversification Strategy. This is a direct response to the new global trade challenges. As Minister responsible for trade policy, I know how important it is that we are responsive to meeting these economic challenges.
Budget 2026 sees us increase support for Irish citizens abroad. We will invest an additional €15 million into our Passport Service, while also investing an additional €1 million into the Emigrant Support Programme to support the government’s new diaspora strategy.
There has never been a more important time for Ireland to have a strong presence globally. The Government is committed to developing a Global Ireland 2040 strategy as an overarching masterplan to enhance Ireland’s place in the world, our influence in international affair, and to support the important work of our Embassies and Consulates promoting Ireland as a place to visit, work, invest or study. This is a Whole of Government strategy which will set out Ireland's place in the world and our diplomatic, economic and citizen priorities internationally. Decisions on further expansion of the diplomatic network will be made in the context of the new strategy.
