Written Answers Nos. 258-272
260. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the process by which the Saint Brigid’s Day 2026 advertising and digital media campaign was commissioned by her Department; the officials or units involved in its commissioning and approval; the date on which final approval was given; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9996/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra261. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the policy objectives underpinning the portrayal of Saint Brigid in the Department’s Saint Brigid’s Day 2026 advertising and digital media campaign; the guidance or criteria applied when determining how religious or cultural figures are represented in State-funded campaigns; and if she will provide the documentation or policy framework governing such decisions. [9997/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra262. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the oversight mechanisms, safeguards, or review processes that are in place within her Department to ensure that religious figures associated with Irish heritage are not used in a manner that could reasonably be regarded as ideologically partisan or disrespectful to their historical and religious context in State-funded promotional material. [9998/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra263. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department has received complaints or representations from members of the public regarding the Saint Brigid’s Day 2026 advertising or digital media campaign; the number and general nature of such complaints to date; and the steps, if any, are being taken to review, amend, or withdraw material that has caused offence. [9999/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra264. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether she considers it appropriate for the Department to use religious figures in State-funded campaigns without explicit reference to their religious identity; and whether she intends to review departmental practice in this area in light of public concern. [10000/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 260, 261, 262, 263 and 264 together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has managed international programming and messaging related to St. Brigid’s Day on an annual basis since 2017, with a special focus on celebrating the achievements of Irish women internationally. This year, 65 Irish Embassies and Consulates are marking St Brigid’s Day, representing the broadest diplomatic support to date for this uniquely Irish celebration. Events organised by DFAT Missions globally for St. Brigid’s Day are often held in partnership with local cultural institutions, artists, academics, civil society organisations and Irish diaspora communities.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses social media and online platforms to communicate public awareness campaigns, to promote essential services to citizens and to highlight Irish positions and values internationally. Our social media and online platforms are also utilised, in conjunction with Team Ireland partners, to promote Ireland as a place to trade, invest, visit and study. This approach towards content on social media aligns to the approach of other Foreign Ministries in communicating key messages to international audiences. Over the last number of years, multimedia digital content campaigns have included multilingual content in up to 23 languages and have amassed tens of millions of views, resulting also in traffic to key Government of Ireland platforms, including Ireland.ie.
The video for the 2026 St. Brigid’s Day social media campaign, highlighting the achievements of Irish women internationally, was produced under a live contract held by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Provision of Digital Content Production Services. This contract commenced in March 2025 following a public procurement competition advertised on eTenders (Ireland’s National Tendering Website) and in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) in late 2024, and conducted in accordance with the open procedure under the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016 (Statutory Instrument 284 of 2016). Three tenderers submitted a bid to supply the service and these were evaluated in line with the guidance provided by the Office of Government Procurement.
My Department's video for the 2026 St. Brigid’s Day social media campaign was finalised at the end of January, was subsequently issued in 19 languages globally and produced a range of feedback on different platforms online and in correspondence. The Department's digital campaign also included material which issued on the social media channels of my Department which highlighted the role of St Brigid of Kildare as a key figure in the history of Christianity in Ireland. As in all such instances, feedback received on the campaign, including constructively critical feedback, will help to inform future digital campaigns and opportunities to deliver key messages about Ireland to international audiences.
My Department has been pleased to profile the outstanding contributions of Irish religious internationally in its communications more generally. As part of the Department's 2025 St Patrick's Day social media campaign, the vital humanitarian work of Fr. Shay Cullen in the Philippines was highlighted in both the video and associated communications. In addition, my Department has profiled the work of Irish religious sisters on Ireland.ie, the international platform for the Government of Ireland, which has included articles detailing the work of Sr. Teresa McKeon in Sierra Leone, Sr. Louise Horgan in Thailand and Sr. Orla Tracey in South Sudan, among others. Our Departmental communications will continue to feature the very significant international contributions of Irish religious in its global communications over the years ahead.
265. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide details of all active interdepartmental, interagency, and department-agency working groups organised under her remit. [10155/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following active interdepartmental, interagency and department-agency working groups fall within the remit of my Department. Where working groups are the joint responsibility of my Department and other Departments, this has also been noted.
|
Working Group |
Details |
|
Asia Pacific Strategy Stakeholder Forum |
The Asia Pacific Strategy Stakeholder Forum chaired by DFAT includes representatives from Government Departments and State Agencies working in the region. |
|
Common Travel Area (CTA) Plenary |
The CTA Plenary is chaired by DFAT, with representatives from D/Justice, D/Health, D/Social Protection, D/Education and D/FHERIS. |
|
Common Travel Area (CTA) Pre-Plenary |
Chaired by DFAT, this is an interdepartmental pre-plenary meeting that takes place prior to the CTA Plenary with Government Departments. |
|
Cross-Departmental International Sanctions Committee (CDISC) |
CDISC is chaired by DFAT and attended by D/Finance, D/ETE, and the Central Bank. |
|
Cross-Governmental India Action Plan Steering Group |
Representatives from across Departments and State Agencies participate in the work of this steering group, which meets on a bi-annual basis and is chaired by DFAT. |
|
DFAT-OPW EU Presidency Co-Ordination Group |
DFAT and OPW co-chair this EU Presidency Co-ordination Group. |
|
EU Presidency Aviation Stakeholders Group |
The EU Presidency Aviation Stakeholders Group comprises representatives from DFAT, D/Transport, Irish Aviation Authority, Dublin Airport Authority and An Garda Síochána. |
|
EU Presidency Communications sub-group |
The EU Presidency Communications sub-group is chaired by DFAT with representatives from all Government Departments |
|
European Coordinators Network |
The EU Coordinators’ Network (ECN) is an interdepartmental Senior Official-level group, chaired by DFAT. |
|
European Political Community and Informal European Council Operational Steering Group |
The Steering Group is chaired by DFAT with representatives across Departments and deals with operational planning matters relating to the delivery of the European Political Community and informal European Council meetings due to be held in Ireland during the EU Presidency. |
|
G20 Interdepartmental Committee |
The G20 Interdepartmental Committee is chaired by DFAT with representatives across Departments. |
|
Global Ireland Senior Officials Group (SOG) Subcommittee on International Communications |
Chaired by DFAT, this is an interdepartmental group which also includes relevant State Agencies. |
|
Government Trade Forum |
Chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, membership of the Government Trade Forum includes the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and other Ministers and senior officials of relevant Government Departments, as well as State Agencies, business representative groups and the trade union sector. |
|
Headquarters Market Team |
The Headquarters Market Team is a cross-departmental working group co-chaired by D/ETE and DFAT. Its membership consists of senior officials from D/ETE, DFAT and other relevant Government Departments, and representatives from trade-facing State Agencies. |
|
High Level Group on EU Policy |
Chaired by DFAT, the High Level Group on EU Policy is a meeting of Assistant Secretaries across the whole of Government |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on Climate Finance |
Chaired by DFAT, the Interdepartmental Group on Committee on Climate and Finance consists of representative from the DFAT, DCEE, D/Finance, and DAFM. It is a sub-group of the Interdepartmental Group on Committee on Development Cooperation |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on Development Cooperation |
Chaired by DFAT, the Committee consists of representatives from DFAT, DCEE, D/Finance, and DAFM. |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on Disarmament and Non-proliferation |
The Interdepartmental Committee on Disarmament and Non-proliferation is chaired by DFAT and attended by An Garda Síochána, Defence Forces, D/Defence, DETE, DECC, DAFM, D/Health, D/Finance, D/Justice, EPA, HSA, HSE and the Revenue Commissioners. |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on EU Engagement |
The Interdepartmental Committee on EU Engagement (ICEE), which meets quarterly, is chaired by the Minister of State for European Affairs, |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on Human Rights |
The Interdepartmental Committee on Human Rights is an interdepartmental committee chaired by DFAT, which all of Government attends. |
|
Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad |
Chaired by the Minister of State for International Development & Diaspora, membership of the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad consists of representatives of key Government Departments, State Agencies and non-governmental organisations active in this area. |
|
Interdepartmental Group on Internet Governance and International Cyber Policy |
The Interdepartmental Group on Internet Governance and International Cyber Policy is chaired by DFAT and attended by D/Defence, D/Justice, PR Brussels, Defence Forces, and D/ETE |
|
Interdepartmental Group on Staffing in International Institutions |
Chaired by DFAT, the Committee on the Staffing of EU Organisations meets two to three times a year. |
|
Interdepartmental Group on Operational Presidency Planning |
Chaired by DFAT, the Interdepartmental Group on Operational Presidency Planning involves participation from all Government Departments. |
|
Interdepartmental Group on Policy Presidency Planning |
Chaired by DFAT, the Interdepartmental Group on Policy Presidency Planning and involves participation from all Government Departments. A quarterly meeting of the Group, chaired by the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, reviews overall progress in Presidency preparations. |
|
Interdepartmental Group on Ukraine |
Chaired by DFAT, membership of the group is drawn from across DFAT and other Departments D/Taoiseach, D/ETE, D/TCAGSM, D/Justice, D/Transport, D/Finance, D/Health. It is scheduled to meet three times per year. |
|
Interdepartmental Visa Coordination Group (IDVCG) |
The IDVCG is jointly organised between DFAT and D/Justice. |
|
Ireland Africa Rural Development Committee (IARDC) |
The IARDC is independently chaired and managed by DFAT and DAFM. The IARDC comprises representatives from DFAT and DAFM, as well as the relevant State Agencies, the private sector, academia and the African community in Ireland. |
|
Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence |
The Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence is a network bringing together 14 partners in an Irish-based alliance of international human rights, humanitarian and development organisations, including international NGOs, DFAT and the Defence Forces. The Chair rotates amongst members of the network. |
|
Irish Forum for International Agricultural Development (IFIAD) |
DFAT and DAFM are both members of the Forum and sit on its Steering Committee together with a number of NGOs, academic institutions and farmers organisations. |
|
National Committee on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) |
DFAT chairs the National Committee on International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Representatives of a number of Departments attend the meetings regularly, including DFAT, D/Defence, the Defence Forces; D/Housing and the Office of the Attorney General. The Irish Red Cross also regularly attends. |
|
North-South Coordinators Group |
The Interdepartmental North South Coordinators Group is chaired by DFAT, with attendance from across all Irish Government Departments. Meetings take place 3-4 times per year, alternatively in-person and online |
|
OECD Interdepartmental Committee |
The OECD Interdepartmental Committee is chaired by DFAT at official level with representatives across Departments. |
|
Oversight Group on Ireland’s Fourth National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) |
Half of the members of the Oversight Group are representatives of Departments and agencies with responsibilities under the NAP, nominated by their Department/agencies. The other half are representatives of civil society organisations and academia working on WPS issues, appointed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is chaired by an independent Chair appointed by the Minister. |
266. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a response will issue to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10184/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has managed international programming and messaging related to St. Brigid’s Day on an annual basis since 2017, with a special focus on celebrating the achievements of Irish women internationally. This year, sees the broadest diplomatic support by our embassy and consulate network to date for this uniquely Irish celebration. Events organised by DFAT Missions globally for St. Brigid’s Day are often held in partnership with local cultural institutions, artists, academics, civil society organisations and Irish diaspora communities, with most taking place across the month of February.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses social media and online platforms to communicate public awareness campaigns, to promote essential services to citizens and to highlight Irish positions and values internationally. Our social media and online platforms are also utilised, in conjunction with Team Ireland partners, to promote Ireland as a place to trade, invest, visit and study. This approach towards content on social media aligns to the approach of other Foreign Ministries in communicating key messages to international audiences. Over the last number of years, multimedia digital content campaigns have amassed tens of millions of views, resulting also in traffic to key Government of Ireland platforms, including Ireland.ie.
My Department's video for the 2026 St. Brigid’s Day social media campaign, highlighting the achievements of Irish women internationally, issued in 19 languages globally and received a range of feedback, much of which was positive or constructive. As in all such instances, feedback received, including constructively critical feedback, will help to inform future digital campaigns and opportunities to deliver key messages about Ireland to international audiences.
267. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 167 of 4 February 2026, the total budget allocated to the contract held by her Department for the provision of digital content production services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10201/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs for all EU Member State Foreign Ministries, my Department uses digital platforms and social media to promote the wide range of policies and initiatives advanced under the auspices of the Department. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses digital content, social media and online platforms to communicate public awareness campaigns, to promote essential services to citizens and to highlight Irish positions and values internationally. Our social media and online platforms are also utilised, in conjunction with Team Ireland partners, to promote Ireland as a place to trade, invest, visit and study. Over the last number of years, multimedia digital content campaigns have included multilingual content in up to 23 languages and have amassed tens of millions of views, resulting also in traffic to key Government of Ireland platforms, including Ireland.ie.
The public procurement competition advertised on eTenders (Ireland’s National Tendering Website) and in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) in late 2024 outlined that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade forecasted that the total expenditure for the provision of all digital content production services during the lifetime of the contract, up to 3.5 years, will be approximately €800,000 based on current and future expected drawdown of services from the contract.
268. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 167 of 4 February 2026, when the current St. Brigid’s Day campaign will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10202/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has managed international programming and messaging related to St. Brigid’s Day on an annual basis since 2017, with a special focus on celebrating the achievements of Irish women internationally.
This year, sees the broadest diplomatic support by our Embassy and Consulate network to date for this uniquely Irish celebration. Events organised by DFAT Missions globally for St. Brigid’s Day are often held in partnership with local cultural institutions, artists, academics, civil society organisations and Irish diaspora communities, with most taking place across the month of February. Details of many of the events held will be available on Ireland.ie once the programme has concluded.
The online video campaign for St. Brigid's Day 2026 was launched on Wednesday, 28 January, and has now concluded on DFAT HQ social media platforms. Video content as part of this campaign issued in 19 languages globally, with support from our Mission network. This was supplemented by material which issued on the social media channels of my Department highlighting the role of St Brigid of Kildare as a key figure in the history of Christianity in Ireland.
269. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department has raised concerns with the European Commission regarding proposed cuts of EU humanitarian funding to Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10285/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is actively engaged within the EU in relation to its development cooperation and humanitarian assistance policies and practice. The EU and its Member States are now the largest provider of humanitarian funding globally. Ireland continues to advocate for high levels of EU humanitarian assistance that is principled and needs-based. Our strong focus on forgotten and underfunded crises will continue during Ireland's EU Presidency.
The EU humanitarian programme has been a long-standing humanitarian partner for the Sahrawi refugee crisis, and has provided €305 million in assistance since 1993. In 2026, the EU will provide €6 million for the crisis. In addition to this, the EU expects to increase regional funding for disaster preparedness work and humanitarian programming with targeted, innovative regional initiatives to address the continuing humanitarian challenges, including for the Sahrawi refugee crisis.
In recent years, Ireland has not provided direct funding to Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria. However, we provide very significant core, unearmarked funding to United Nations humanitarian agencies operating in the camps including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP). WFP has provided uninterrupted assistance to the camps for over 30 years to address persistently high levels of food insecurity. This core funding gives the agencies the flexibility to plan and target funding in the most strategic, efficient and effective manner. The EU also provides significant funding to these two critical UN agencies.
Ireland’s position on Western Sahara has been, and continues to be, guided by the aim of achieving a just and lasting political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade remains in contact with relevant parties in support of efforts to achieve a solution to this long-standing dispute.
270. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Irish Consulate General based in Miami has met and or spoken in an official capacity with the Mayor of Orlando to-date in 2026. [10302/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraStrengthening Ireland’s political, economic and cultural ties with the United States, at all levels, remains a priority for the Government.
We have significantly expanded our diplomatic presence in the United States in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, and under the Global Ireland strategy for engagement with the United States. Ireland’s Consulate General in Miami was opened in October 2022 and an Honorary Consul for Ireland was appointed in Orlando in April 2025.
The Consul General engages with a wide range of political, economic, cultural and community stakeholders across the State, including in Orlando. While there have been no engagements between the Consul General and the Mayor of Orlando to date in 2026, the Consul General will visit Orlando in the coming days at the invitation of the University of Central Florida for a series of engagements focused on the Irish Peace Process. In addition, the Honorary Consul, together with representatives of other countries, will meet with the Mayor of Orange County next month, as part of the County’s outreach to the local consular corps. The Consulate will also undertake engagements in Orlando during the St Patrick’s Day period, in line with previous years.
271. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount collected in passport fees in each month of 2025 and to-date in 2026; if she will include a breakdown by amount and fee type, in tabular form. [10303/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total amount of passport fees collected by the Passport Service in each month of 2025 and in January 2026 is outlined in the following table:
|
Month-Year |
Receipts (€) |
|
Jan-2025 |
6,823,087 |
|
Feb-2025 |
5,557,226 |
|
Mar-2025 |
6,050,317 |
|
Apr-2025 |
5,433,494 |
|
May-2025 |
4,620,998 |
|
Jun-2025 |
4,208,624 |
|
Jul-2025 |
3,950,556 |
|
Aug-2025 |
3,719,156 |
|
Sep-2025 |
3,468,932 |
|
Oct-2025 |
3,180,560 |
|
Nov-2025 |
2,575,650 |
|
Dec-2025 |
2,834,602 |
|
Jan-2026 |
6,678,734 |
A breakdown of the fees collected by application type as requested by the Deputy is not available as our system does not easily facilitate this. This is further complicated by the many other factors, which would need to be taken into consideration including the channel used to apply for the passport, where the person resides and if there was a reduced fee applied when a bundle of passport book and passport card were applied for at the same time.
It should be noted that the 2025 figures have yet to be audited. Final figures will be published later in the year in the Department's appropriation account.
272. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports reported as lost and stolen for each year from 2019 to date in 2026. [10304/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe integrity of the Irish passport is the foremost priority of the Passport Service. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of the security features within the passport book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport was recently ranked fourth in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 185 countries.
The loss or theft of passports and passport cards is taken very seriously by the Passport Service as it compromises the safety and security of citizen's personal data and can result in fraudulent activity. The Passport Service ensures that passports reported as lost or stolen are cancelled and notified to Interpol at the earliest opportunity. Once the passport is cancelled and notified to Interpol, it is no longer valid for travel.
The numbers of passports reported as lost or stolen to the Passport Service in each of the years from 2019 to date in 2026, are detailed below in tabular form.
|
YEAR |
LOST |
STOLEN |
|
2019 |
30,415 |
2,834 |
|
2020 |
12,037 |
970 |
|
2021 |
16,803 |
956 |
|
2022 |
34,096 |
2,208 |
|
2023 |
30,345 |
2,393 |
|
2024 |
28,925 |
2,375 |
|
2025 |
32,230 |
2,712 |
|
2026 |
2,877 |
203 |
The figures for this year are up to 05 February 2026.
Where an applicant has reported an passport lost or stolen, the Passport Service may request additional information and documentary evidence to establish and verify an applicant’s identity. Appropriate photographic identification is one of the requirements in cases in which a person seeks to replace a lost or stolen passport. This and other requirements are necessary to protect the integrity of the Irish passport and protect against fraud and identity theft. Where an applicant has lost/stolen two or more passports, the validity of their next passport may be restricted.
