Programme for Government

Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Ceisteanna (175)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

175. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made over the past 12 months on each of her Department’s Programme for Government commitments, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72192/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Throughout 2025, my Department has made significant progress in delivering on our commitments under the Programme for Government. Updates on relevant commitments are set out in tabular form below. My Department has continued to deliver on behalf of Irish citizens at home and abroad in this time.

In addition to these commitments on which my Department leads, co-leads or plays a significant role, DFAT also contributes to the delivery of a number of other Programme for Government commitments that are led by other Government departments.

Commitment	Progress in the last 12 months
Use the resources of our diplomatic missions and agencies to deliver ambitious targets.	The mission network continues to deliver on all aspects of our high level objectives, guided by the Department's Statement of Strategy, by deepening our global engagement and driving trade and prosperity, responding to the complex global geopolitical context, serving our citizens and communities abroad, and promoting peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. The mission network works in close partnership with State agencies as part of Team Ireland overseas.
Support a new US-based Economic Advisory panel which would be made up of senior Irish or Irish-linked decision makers in key business sectors.	The Strategic Economic Advisory Panel (SEAP) was established in Q1 2025. SEAP meetings were held in Washington D.C. in March and in New York in September 2025, attended by the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and a range of US-based industry leaders, covering a wide range of topics relating to Ireland’s economic relationship with the United States.
Support an open, multilateral, rules-based trade system, promoting free trade policies and economic growth.	Ireland has continued to work closely along with European Union partners to promote free trade policies and in particular to advocate for a strong multilateral trading system with a modernised World Trade Organization at its core. In August, the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification was published as a comprehensive approach to promoting Ireland’s trade, tourism, investment and research objectives, and supporting businesses in their market diversification ambitions. The Department also coordinates national engagement at the OECD where Ireland takes a consistent approach in support of an open, multilateral, rules-based trade system, promoting free trade policies and economic growth, including at the OECD. In 2025, the Department also coordinated Ireland’s national engagement at the G20, where Ireland participated as a guest of the South African Presidency in 2025.
Support an ambitious EU trade agenda, promoting new Free Trade Agreements, with proper assurances regarding sustainability, human rights and the protection of our agricultural sector.	Ireland has continued to support an ambitious EU trade agenda, with progress across several negotiations including with Indonesia and India. Ireland has also supported EU engagement with the US as we work towards a new mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship. Throughout, Ireland has consistently emphasised the need for strong sustainability and human rights provisions, and has worked to ensure that agricultural sensitivities are protected. Ireland was active in seeking to secure agreement between the Council and the European Parliament on revising the EU GSP Regulation which is an important tool for providing non-reciprocal, preferential access to the EU for developing and least developed countries. Political agreement was reached on 1 December. The Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025 has passed Second Stage in the Dáil. The Bill, once passed, will enable ratification of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and other international agreements containing similar investment dispute resolution provisions, including those with Chile, Mexico, Singapore and Vietnam
Work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal.	The Government has continued to engage at EU level – with both the European Commission and with counterparts in like-minded EU Member States – to voice our concerns with the EU-Mercosur agreement and to interrogate the outcome of negotiations to assess if our concerns have been adequately addressed.
Ensure there is continued support for climate finance delivered through Ireland’s Overseas Development Aid programme, particularly in areas where communities are vulnerable to climate impacts.	At COP26, held in Glasgow in November 2021, the Taoiseach announced that Ireland would provide at least €225 million in climate finance per year to developing countries by 2025. By the end of 2025, we will reach this target. Climate Finance reports are published in arrears. In March 2025, the 2023 Climate Finance Report was launched and highlighted that Ireland provided €159.2 million in international climate finance.
Actively support climate initiatives to address the severe effects of drought, famine, and lack of clean water in collaboration with international partners.	During 2025 Ireland’s climate programming continued to focus on supporting countries and communities most seriously in need, including countries impacted by drought, famine and lack of access to water. For example, in 2025 Ireland provided €5.5 million to the United Nations Central Emergency Relief Fund Climate Action Account which is mandated to respond to climate induced emergencies, €2.5 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Global Climate Resilience Platform and €1.5 million to Start Ready. These are emergency response pooled mechanisms for climate induced disasters. Additionally, Ireland continued its partnership with Concern Worldwide, providing €5 million for activities dedicated to addressing acute malnutrition (wasting) in children in the vulnerable drought-prone border regions of Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya.
Actively advocate for the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals both in Ireland and internationally.	The promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ persons is a domestic and foreign policy priority for Ireland. Ireland participates in the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) and annual Pride events. Ireland is a member of the Equal Rights Coalition, and meets with the group regularly to continue to work on the promotion and protection of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons globally, while countering the current pushback on LGBTQI+ rights.
Engage in discussions at key international forums, including the EU and the UN, to uphold the universal nature of human rights, ensuring that these rights apply equally to all individuals, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.	Ireland strongly supports efforts in international human rights fora to promote the rights of LGBTQI+ persons, including at the UN Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly. Ireland strongly supported the renewal of the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council in July. Ireland also delivered a national statement at the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council, at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on SOGI, and a statement at the Third Committee of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, at the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Discrimination based on SOGI. Ireland is also a member of the Group of Friends of the mandate of the Independent Expert on SOGI. This year at the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review, Ireland raised the rights on LGBTQI+ persons in the recommendations made to: Jamaica, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mongolia, Panama, Armenia, Grenada, Guyana, Kiribati, Türkiye and Bosnia Herzegovina. The promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ persons is also a priority in Ireland’s campaign for membership of the Human Rights Council, launched in September in New York by the Tánaiste.
Give effect to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance ‘Working Definition of Antisemitism’ and implement the EU declaration on ‘Fostering Jewish Life in Europe’.	Senior members of the Government meet regularly with representatives of Ireland’s Jewish communities, including the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Justice, and the Minister of State for European Affairs. Most recently, the Tánaiste met with representatives of Ireland’s Jewish community in September. DFAT officials also maintain regular contact with the Jewish community. Ireland provides an annual grant towards the upkeep of the Auschwitz memorial. This year we provided €50,000 recognizing the importance of the 80th anniversary event. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has worked with JACI (Jewish Arts and Culture Ireland) to develop an exhibition on the links between Lithuania and Ireland’s Jewish Community. This year, Ireland continued the Crocus project, where young children plant yellow crocus bulbs in October, which bloom in January in remembrance of the victims.
Support artists to access international opportunities through increased funding for Culture Ireland and support for our embassies to promote more bilateral exchanges.	There has been an expansion of specialist cultural attaché programme with new appointments in India, China and South East Asia.
Promote an all-island approach to hosting major international sporting events, building on the Major International Events policy, including supporting the hosting of the 2027 Ryder Cup, Euro 2028, the T20 Cricket World Cup 2030, the Open Championships and bidding for major competitions.	The continuation of a structured and strategic approach to securing the hosting of major sporting events that can deliver all-island benefits, including co-hosting opportunities, is being considered as part of the International Sport Diplomacy Strategy currently under development. This will be informed by the Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework 2024. Work is also ongoing to establish a formal structure across Government for the coordination of major sporting events.
Maintain and continue to grow the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund to build capacity of Irish media outlets to undertake quality reporting on international geopolitical events.	The latest application window for the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund was opened in January 2025, following which six additional media organisations were awarded funding for the 2025-2026 period. Match funding of 52% was achieved and participating organisations have undertaken to create over 2,000 original content pieces under video, print and social media over the 18 month term.
Support the development of the Savings and Investment Union, seeking opportunities to improve competition in key financial sectors and to support the green and digital transitions.	We are actively involved in progressing associated EU legislative measures for a Savings and Investment Union. Ireland proactively and collaboratively engaged in the negotiations for an EU-wide 2040 climate target. We agreed to a highly ambitious target to reduce emissions by 90% by 2040, based on 1990 levels, while securing stronger language on food security, forestry and land use, renewable energy, and a just transition – including energy affordability. For digital, Ireland strongly supports the ambitious digital simplification package and we are developing a strong, coherent and stable digital regulatory framework. Ireland is making efforts towards increasing resilience and decreasing dependencies in critical digital value chains in an open manner, which means maintaining access to open markets, interoperability, and international collaboration.
Support and implement the European Green Deal, unlocking more of Europe’s renewable energy potential through enhanced EU co-operation and improved European grid connectivity.	Ireland is accelerating the green energy transition by advancing policies which enhance affordability for businesses and households while enabling faster adoption of renewables and robust energy security. Ireland is also prioritising an EU-wide approach to deployment and investment in grid infrastructure in order to enhance our competitiveness and has engaged proactively with the Commission in the lead up to its publication of the European Grids Package on 16 December 2025. Projects such as the Celtic Interconnector between Ireland and France, which will be a key first step towards expanding and diversifying interconnections, are also progressing.
Ensure there is an ambitious new European Budget settlement, protecting existing EU programmes and taking action on strategic priorities.	The proposal for the 2028 – 2034 Multiannual Financial Framework was published in July and September this year. Since then, DFAT and the Department of Finance, as co-leads on Ireland’s position, have coordinated across Government to ensure Irish priorities and ambitions are well communicated and advanced. Negotiations are ongoing, and Ireland’s EU Presidency, will come at a critical juncture in this process.
Prioritise economic competitiveness in the EU and continue to promote international trade, as it is vital to the Irish economy.	We are working to implement the files of the Competitive Compass outlined by the Commission. Ireland has also worked to take forward the implementation of the EU Single Market Strategy and is calling for the early publication of the Single Market Roadmap to 2028 with concrete targets and timelines. Moreover, we are opposing the application of a “European Preference” across our industrial policy toolkit. We are prioritising an open economy with free and fair competition and the deepening of the Single Market, which should remain the EU’s main approach to enhancing competitiveness. We are also advocating for Strengthening EU-US cooperation and are expressing caution regarding approaches that could disrupt transatlantic investment flows or global value chains.
Work to strengthen the application and monitoring of the rule of law across the EU, ensuring the non-partisan application of the Rule of Law mechanism, and ensure that all citizens in all member states feel equally protected from those who threaten our values, including their own governments.	Ireland continues to be a strong advocate for the Rule of Law within the EU. We recognise the importance of having the necessary tools to monitor developments across EU Member States and to respond to challenges where they arise. We are therefore supporting efforts led by Commissioner McGrath to strengthen mechanisms to ensure respect for the rule of law in all EU Member States. DFAT worked closely with the Attorney General in preparing Ireland’s national intervention in support of the European Commission’s infringement case against Hungary’s National Sovereignty Protection Law. Through DFAT’s European Enlargement and Fundamental Values Fund (EEFV), Ireland is also providing financial assistance to civil society groups and other bodies in EU Member States where the rule of law is under pressure.
Support sanctions against countries seeking to undermine European democracy.	Ireland implements EU and UN sanctions; this commitment is in progress.
Reduce where possible the regulatory burden simplifying EU rules for the SME and Farming sectors.	The Department has coordinated work across Government on the EU’s simplification agenda to help reduce the regulatory burden, notably for SMEs and farming communities. We have worked with EU partners to make progress on the implementation of the eight Omnibus simplification packages proposed by the Commission so far, which the Commission estimates will lead to administrative savings across the EU of €11 billion per year.
Deliver on plans to increase the number of Irish people applying for positions in the institutions of the European Union, including a communications campaign targeted at school leavers and graduates highlighting the opportunities available, and a partnership with third level providers to do the same.	The Department continues implementing the “A Career for EU strategy” to increase Irish representation in EU institutions. In 2025, physical outreach at second and third-level careers fairs promoted EU careers to school leavers and graduates, while targeted social media campaigns encouraged professional applicants. Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, TD, addressed students at Higher Options and participated in local radio interviews. The dedicated website ireland.ie/en/eu-jobs received thousands of visits. Extensive training and supports continue for Irish candidates.
Uphold the Irish language’s full status as an official language of the European Union.	The Government is resolute in upholding the Irish language's full and secure status within the EU. Irish is a full official and working language of the Union, and there is no question of its status being diminished. This position is guaranteed by the Treaties and the subsequent Council Regulation No. 2021/168. Since 1 January 2022, Irish has enjoyed complete parity with the EU’s other 23 official languages. This means that all key EU legislative acts and documents are translated into Irish, and citizens have the right to correspond with the EU institutions in Irish. Ireland remains committed to promoting and strengthening the Irish language across the European institutions, recognising its deep cultural and national significance, and its firm foundation as a Treaty language of the Union.
Develop and promote projects which build links and understanding with other EU capitals and regions in the fields of culture, education, research and innovation.	In 2025, Ireland actively promoted Irish culture across EU Member States through a €250,000 fund disbursed through the Mission network in the EU. This funding is specifically allocated to Irish Embassies and Consulates throughout the region to support and facilitate cultural and educational initiatives that showcase Irish heritage, arts and identity. The funding enables Missions to develop and implement targeted cultural programmes that resonate with local audiences across different EU MS.
Stand by the EU’s accession promises, promoting a positive enlargement strategy for Ukraine, the Western Balkans, Moldova and Georgia.	Ireland has continued to promote and support progressing EU Enlargement policy and individual candidacies on a merit-basis. EU Enlargement will be a key priority of our upcoming EU Presidency and Ireland will seek to advance the candidacies of all candidate and potential candidate countries where conditions have been met. In advance of our EU Presidency, in September 2025, Ireland opened embassies in three candidate countries, in Bosnia Herzegovina, Moldova and Serbia. The Minister of State for European Affairs has also visited Albania, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Ukraine throughout 2025 and reaffirmed Ireland’s strong support for their respective EU accession paths. Ireland has also supported several projects to support candidate and potential candidate countries’ EU accession processes, some of which are outlined below.
Promote closer co-operation with candidate countries, assisting these nations to align with EU standards.	A three year 'Ireland for EU Enlargement Programme', funded through EU and Trade Divisions' EU Enlargement and Fundamental Values fund, is being delivered by the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) together with the Podgorica-based Western Balkans Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA) to support capacity building in candidate countries focusing on the Rule of Law, digitalisation and economic transformations. In November, 48 senior officials from candidate countries travelled to Dublin for further classes and engagements to build capacity and awareness of EU standards and policies. Ireland has also made a contribution of €1.5 million towards the “Ukraine2EU”, a programme supporting Ukraine’s EU accession path and which is being implemented by Lithuania’s Central Project Management Agency.
Introduce a new John Hume Fund in honour of one of Ireland’s greatest ever patriots and only member of the European Parliament to win a Nobel Prize. This is to be awarded annually by that Parliament to a person or organisation who promotes reconciliation and shared prosperity in Europe.	EU and Trade Policy Division within DFAT has established a new European Parliament Unit this year. The purpose of this unit is to maximise opportunities for effective Irish engagement with the European Parliament, both as a key partner in our ongoing work and in particular with a view to an effective Irish Presidency in 2026. As part of this work, the unit has engaged in initial outreach around the establishment of a John Hume Fund, conducting research on existing awards granted by the European Parliament and gathering views from relevant interlocutors, with a view to recommending a way forward on the establishment of a new fund.
Publish plans for our upcoming Presidency to deliver against strategic priorities for Europe and Ireland.	Work is ongoing to develop Ireland's Presidency priorities and policy programme. In line with convention, Ireland's policy programme for the Presidency will be finalised and published in June 2026
Host an informal meeting of the European Council and a meeting of the European Political Community in Ireland during the Presidency, as well as a programme of between 16 and 20 informal Council meetings at Ministerial level.	Extensive planning work has continued to prepare for the programme of meetings to be hosted across Ireland during our EU Presidency. These will include a summit of the European Political Community, an informal meeting of the European Council and 22 informal Ministerial meetings. Overall, we expect to host more than 250 Presidency events here. DFAT has chaired monthly Inter-Departmental meetings on Operational Presidency Planning to support delivery of the Presidency meeting programme in Ireland.
Seek to bring some of the high-level meetings of our Presidency to cities and counties across Ireland, ensuring the entire country benefits from the profile the Presidency brings.	Planning is underway for six informal Ministerial meetings, as well a range of other conferences, official-level meetings and other events, to take place in regional locations.
Provide for a sustainability policy for the Presidency.	A sustainability policy for Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2026 is in final development and will be launched in Q1 2026.
Continue to work with partners in the region to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the return of all hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid. We will also work with partners to help rebuild Gaza as soon as practicable.	Ireland has welcomed the ceasefire and the agreement on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the war in Gaza. This is an important first step on a road to peace. Ireland continues to call for humanitarian aid to be directed throughout the entire Gaza Strip at scale. Ireland has provided 177 tonnes of supplies including tents, blankets, water cans and other vital household items to Gaza under Ireland’s Rapid Response Initiative. 10 trucks of carrying food, supported by Irish Aid in partnership with Plan Ireland, arrived in Gaza in recent weeks for distribution to people who urgently need it. Ireland will also provide an additional €6 million in humanitarian aid for people in Gaza as UN and humanitarian agencies prepare to ramp up aid supplies following the ceasefire. This new contribution brings Ireland’s support for the people of Palestine since October 2023 to more than €102 million, and support in 2025 to over €36 million.
Seek to grow the international coalition of countries supporting a two-state solution through recognition of the State of Palestine and continue to advocate for internationally sponsored political negotiations on achieving a peaceful and secure Israel and Palestine.	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. Ireland was active in preparing the UN High-level Conference on the Two-State Solution held in New York from 28 - 30 July. The outcome document from the meeting – the New York Declaration – has been endorsed by 142 countries. The Taoiseach attended the re-convened Conference during UN High Level Week in late September. We welcome that the actions in the New York Declaration have influenced the drafting of the US Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. Ireland is an active member of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and will host a meeting of the Global Alliance in Ireland in late January, where we will share elements of our own experience of a successful peace process in Northern Ireland.
Continue to seek the application of International Law and justice to all sides in the current conflict through the international court system.	Ireland has continued to seek the application of International Law and justice to all sides in the current conflict through the international court system by participation in relevant International Court of Justice proceedings, and support to the International Criminal Court.
Advocate for a meaningful interpretation of Israel’s human rights obligations under the EU-Israel association agreement at European Commission level and continue to advocate a review of the EU Trade Agreement.	Ireland has consistently called for the EU to take concrete action in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles. Ireland welcomes proposals from the European Commission to suspend the core trade-related provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The proposals are a significant step forward. Ireland has made clear our view that the EU must keep the package of measures proposed 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 remain valid.
Progress legislation prohibiting goods from Occupied Palestinian Territories following the July 2024 International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion.	In June 2025, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill. The main purpose of the Bill is to prohibit the importation of goods into the State from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to progress that legislation. The next steps in the process, including the timeline for the progress of the Bill, are being considered.
Continue to oppose and condemn Hamas and other groups which bring terror and destruction to their own people and others.	Ireland has consistently condemned Hamas and stated that the PA is the only credible and legitimate interlocutor on the Palestinian side and must be fully engaged.