Willie O'Dea
Ceist:32. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on the discussion on EU enlargement at the EU General Affairs Council on 11 May 2026. [37821/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Enlargement
Ceisteanna (32)
Freagraí scríofa
On 11-12 May, Cyprus hosted an informal meeting of the EU General Affairs Council. Ministers from all candidate and potential candidate countries – except Georgia – were invited to join the discussion on enlargement. Eight of these countries - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine) attended. The Minister for European Affairs, who represented Ireland, also held bilateral meetings in the margins of the informal Council with the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and with the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia & Herzegovina.
During the discussion at the informal Council, there was wide agreement on the geopolitical importance of EU enlargement. Following the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, enlargement has re-emerged as a strong policy priority for EU Member States and the European Commission as a way to protect the prosperity and security of the European continent.
The Ministers attending the informal Council supported the merit-based nature of the enlargement process and its “Fundamentals First” approach. Candidate and potential candidate countries must first implement necessary reforms in the areas of Rule of Law, the Judiciary and Fundamentals to advance in their path towards EU membership. This ensures that adherence to the Rule of Law and the protection of fundamental EU rights remain the bedrock of the EU accession process.
Gradual integration was also part of the discussion. Ministers pointed to gradual integration as a tool to make enlargement more tangible for candidate and potential candidate countries before accession - supporting and accelerating their progress, though not replacing full EU membership. Ireland strongly supports gradual integration as an effective tool to reinforce credibility, accelerate reforms, and make the accession process more tangible and results driven.
Ministers also underlined the importance of strategic communication with the public in both EU and candidate and potential candidate countries as an instrument to maintain public support for enlargement, as well as to counter anti-EU and enlargement narratives and to address EU enlargement process fatigue in some candidate countries.
Question No. 33 answered with Question No. 29.
North-South Ministerial Council
Ceisteanna (34)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on her attendance at the thirty-first plenary meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council on 8 May 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37998/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The NSMC was established under Strand 2 of the Good Friday Agreement and is one of the key drivers of North South cooperation on this island. Since the restoration of the Good Friday Agreement institutions in 2024, there have been forty-six meetings of the NSMC, across the three different formats - plenary, institutional and sectoral formats.
The most recent NSMC plenary meeting took place on 8 May, in Armagh, hosted by the Northern Ireland Executive. The meeting took place in a very constructive and cordial atmosphere, and provided an opportunity for Irish Government ministers to engage face-to face with their Northern counterparts on a number of issues of mutual interest and concern.
The meeting was an opportunity to return to important discussions from previous plenaries, including on business and trade matters, tackling gender based violence on the island and infrastructure and investment cooperation.
Ministers also further discussed cross-border Emergency Planning and Preparedness, to ensure greater co-operation across the island when responding to emergencies such as major weather events.
Meetings are detailed in full in the Joint Communiqué issued after the meetings and published on the NSMC website at this link - www.northsouthministerialcouncil.org/publications/thirty-first-plenary-joint-communique-8-may-2026
I also hosted a NSMC Institutional meeting on the morning of 8 May, with First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. We discussed matters relating to the North South Implementation Bodies and developments in the wider policy environment, including global geopolitical developments, Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union and co-operation between both jurisdictions in the context of the evolving nature of EU-UK relations.
The Joint Communiqué which issued after the meeting and was published on the NSMC website is available at this link -
www.northsouthministerialcouncil.org/publications/fifteenth-institutional-meeting-armagh-8-may-2026
Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 9.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 9.
EU Presidency
Ceisteanna (37, 47, 53)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:37. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide an update on preparations for Ireland’s EU Presidency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38336/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Michael Cahill
Ceist:47. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a venue outside of Dublin, such as Killarney, has been considered as a location for summit meetings of EU senior officials in preparation for Ireland’s hosting of the EU Presidency from July to December 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38106/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
John Clendennen
Ceist:53. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the preparations being undertaken by her Department for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026, with particular emphasis on the way in which this presidency will be utilised to advocate for the interests of rural Ireland, including agricultural and community development policies; whether there will be scope to host meetings in regional areas such as Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38314/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 47 and 53 together.
Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December of this year. The Presidency will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in leading and shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
As Presidency, we will take forward an ambitious agenda, seeking to serve the Union’s collective interests and respond to Europe’s most pressing and urgent needs, while preparing the Union to face the challenges of the future.
Preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are well underway, both here in Ireland and in Brussels. Our priorities and policy programme for the Presidency are now being finalised and will be published in mid-June.
The Strategic Agenda for the Union for the period up to 2029 has provided the principal backdrop for the development of our Presidency priorities, which have also been informed by extensive consultation with partners across Europe.
We will set out an agenda which we believe reflects a shared understanding of the issues and objectives that will require the attention of the Council in the coming months, to allow us to deliver in a meaningful way for our citizens across the Union.
Bearing this in mind, we have also undertaken a process of public consultation to help inform the development of our priorities. An open call for public submissions was launched in late 2025, allowing all stakeholders and interested parties the opportunity to have their say on the development of Ireland’s EU Presidency policy programme. The 484 written submissions received have helped to inform the development of our Presidency priorities.
Work on the definition of our priorities is focusing on three broad pillars, reflecting the pillars of the strategic agenda: competitiveness, values and security.
Ireland’s Presidency will place emphasis on the importance of ensuring and sustaining Europe’s rural and coastal communities. In particular, as Ireland advances work in negotiating the EU’s long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework, we will work towards delivering a future framework for the Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies. Work in this regard will be critical in reducing administrative burdens and supporting effective implementation on the ground through locally-led and collaborative approaches that support rural communities.
In all areas of work, we will build on the excellent progress achieved by the Cyprus Presidency. We in turn will seek to lay strong foundations for further progress in important areas of policy during the Presidency terms of our trio partners, Lithuania and Greece
We are also now finalising the calendar of events scheduled to take place in Ireland during our Presidency term. During the Presidency, Ireland will host a summit of the European Political Community, an informal meeting of the European Council, and 22 informal Ministerial meetings. Overall, including conferences and meetings of officials from across the 27 EU Member States, we expect to host over 270 Presidency events in Ireland. Planning for these meetings is now well advanced.
The Government has committed in the Programme for Government 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 for the Presidency meetings programme included a detailed assessment of the suitability of a wide range of locations as possible venues for Presidency meetings and events, taking account of specific criteria.
I am determined to ensure that the entire country can engage with and benefit from the Presidency, and we are also progressing work to develop a programme of domestic outreach and engagement. We will leverage the Presidency as an opportunity to enhance the involvement of Ireland’s youth, and rural and regional communities, in EU affairs.
This will include the EU Presidency County Pairings initiative, through which each county in the State has been paired with another EU Member State to facilitate broad public and community engagement with our European partners during the Presidency term, and the development of specific publications for children and young people focused on the work Ireland will undertake as Presidency.
Ireland has a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms and we are confident that with the support of our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU through our 2026 Presidency.
Consular Services
Ceisteanna (38)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:38. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens currently registered in high-risk regions; the contingency plans in place to assist evacuations where necessary; whether additional consular staffing or resources are being deployed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38393/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can assure you that providing consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad is a cornerstone of the work of my Department. Ensuring our citizens receive timely and empathetic support from our Embassies and Consulates worldwide is a priority for me in my role as Minister.
My Department provides a range of supports to citizens in distress abroad, including in crisis situations, with the Consular Assistance Charter outlining exactly what kind of assistance will be offered, as well as highlighting the steps that we strongly encourage Irish citizens to take before they travel.
My Department also publishes travel advice in respect of over 200 countries and territories. This advice provides an objective assessment of the risks our citizens might face while travelling, living, or working overseas, so that they can make informed decisions linked to their travel plans. Promoting this travel advice, including through social media and digital channels, is a key priority for my Department.
I strongly encourage all our citizens travelling overseas to register their contact details with my Department. This information will allow us to contact them, and provide all possible and appropriate assistance, particularly if there is an unforeseen crisis such as a natural disaster, or any other kind of emergency. Currently, there are more than 35,000 individual registrations with my Department, which which equates to more than 50,000 Irish citizens.
As part of Ireland’s Consular Strategy, published in 2023, my Department committed to strengthening how we work, including by investing in the technology and systems that facilitate consular assistance. This will ensure our services remain responsive to changing demands.
The global context in which my Department operates has changed, with an increase in conflict, as well as the negative effects of climate change. I note that this comes at a time that Irish citizens are travelling more often, further afield, and in greater numbers. As a result, the crises abroad that my Department faces are becoming more complex, more frequent and more prolonged.
To continually meet the high standards we set ourselves, we constantly seek to adapt and evolve. Drawing on the lessons from previous crises, my Department continuously updates and improves our crisis management structures and protocols to ensure that we are effectively managing serious safety and security considerations for our own teams while also responding to citizens’ needs.
As a result of this work, my Department has crisis management protocols in place to ensure a timely and effective response to crises, including for the provision of consular assistance to Irish citizens that request it. These measures can include the temporary deployment of trained officers, drawn from an active surge team roster, into crisis support roles. Indeed, during the recent conflict in the Middle East, my Department provided direct consular assistance to thousands of citizens. This is more than a normal year's consular caseload, which is testament to the efficacy of our systems and processes.
In addition to internal preparedness, officers in my Department with responsibility for Crisis Planning work closely with counterparts across the Government, including with the Department of Defence and Defence Forces, the EU, and a range of other international partners.
Ireland is an active member in a multilateral group for the coordination of non-combatant evacuation operations, and also participates actively in international exercises. Indeed, this month, officials participated in a weeklong, joint civilian-military, exercise in Cyprus, which was joined by approximately 40 other nations. Such international cooperation is a vital element to ensure appropriate and effective crisis response.
I can assure you that my Department continues to work to align with international best practice across the full range of consular services we provide, and that officials from across my Department stand ready to provide consular assistance to all Irish citizens that need it.
EU Presidency
Ceisteanna (39)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:39. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which she intends to use Ireland’s EU Presidency to highlight the issue of Palestinian statehood, in addition to humanitarian relief for Gaza, at the relevant Council of Ministers meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38338/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Given our own history of conflict and peacebuilding at home, Ireland has a longstanding commitment to a just, sustainable and lasting peace in the Middle East. This will frame our response to crises the Middle East, as in other regions, throughout the tenure of our Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Throughout the Presidency, Ireland will continue to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to international law and to achieving a just and lasting peace where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in two states, Israel and Palestine, in peace, security and dignity within agreed borders based on the 1967 borders. Our recognition of the State of Palestine on 28 May 2024 was a concrete step, taken along with trusted international partners.
Ireland is actively working with the EU and other partners in the region and beyond to create an enabling environment for the Palestinian Authority. At the inaugural meeting of the Palestinian Donor Group in Brussels last November, I called on Israel to release withheld Palestinian tax clearance revenues to the Palestinian Authority and take all necessary measures to ensure that correspondent banking services between Israeli and Palestinian banks remain in place. The Government is committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority, both politically and financially. Ireland has provided over €122 million in support to the people of Palestine since January 2023.
On 28 January, Ireland hosted the eighth meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution at Croke Park in Dublin. The event focused on sharing lessons from Ireland’s own experience of peacebuilding in Northern Ireland, and how dialogue, inclusion and strong institutions can help turn conflict into lasting peace.
Ireland will continue to use all the tools at its disposal – political, legal, diplomatic and humanitarian – to support the Palestinian people to achieve self-determination through the two-State solution.
Military Aircraft
Ceisteanna (40)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:40. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the under-reporting of almost 250 more US military aircraft flights over Ireland, which went unreported due to an ‘administrative error’; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38385/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State, require diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation. This policy is well known and fully understood by the United States and other international partners.
Each month, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade collects and publishes statistics detailing foreign military aircraft overflights in Irish airspace and landings in Ireland.
The Department has expressed its regret that, due to an administrative error, figures relating to US overflights for the period from September 2025 to March 2026 had been misreported on the Department’s website. The figures have now been revised and I have been briefed on the matter by my officials. Upon my instruction, officials in my Department have revised the system for the preparation and publication of these statistics.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (41, 59)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:41. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the war in Sudan and on the Government's position on same, in particular the need to ensure access to appropriate aid; her position on the continuing concerning flow of weapons into the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38383/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Shane Moynihan
Ceist:59. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on Ireland’s engagement with international partners in responding to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37159/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 59 together.
The conflict in Sudan has entered its fourth year and is continuing to have a devastating impact on the Sudanese people, particularly women and children. The escalating violence in the Kordofans and Blue Nile states is deeply worrying, and underlines the need to ensure Sudan remains firmly on the international agenda.
It is vital that we continue to address the urgent humanitarian crisis, ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, and explore all avenues towards an urgent, credible and inclusive Sudanese-led political solution.
The critical issue of humanitarian access and the need to remove bureaucratic impediments to aid are at the heart of Ireland's diplomatic engagement on Sudan. We are engaging with the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and the Sudan International NGO Forum, and our Irish NGO partners working in Sudan, to support coordinated and unified messages for principled humanitarian access in Sudan.
On 18 February, Minister McEntee, together with 31 other Ministers, signed a Joint Ministerial Statement on the Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Operations in Sudan. The Minister also joined a UN Human Rights Council Core Group statement, on 26 February, condemning the atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher and announcing the establishment of a coalition of likeminded states and regional institutions committed to working together to prevent further atrocities in Sudan.
I attended the third International Sudan Conference in Berlin on 15 April. The EU and Member States, including Ireland, pledged over €812 million in humanitarian assistance. I announced that Ireland will significantly increase our humanitarian assistance this year. Our assistance is channeled through our trusted partners, including the UN, international organisations, Irish NGOs and their local partners. This funding is focused on reaching those in greatest need, including women and girls who are victims of sexual and gender-based violence. Last year, we provided over €14.3 million in humanitarian assistance, to support people in Sudan and those displaced by the crisis in neighbouring countries.
We also participated in the discussion on Sudan at April’s EU Foreign Affairs Council, which reaffirmed our core priorities on the third anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict.
It is essential that harmful external engagement in the conflict ends. Specific allegations of violations of the UN embargo and EU sanctions are pursued through UN and EU channels. All parties must comply fully with their obligations and refrain from any actions that could fuel further violence. We remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring this devastating crisis is not side-lined or forgotten. We will continue to focus on Sudan when we assume the Presidency of the EU on 1 July.
Question No. 42 answered with Question No. 13.
British-Irish Co-operation
Ceisteanna (43, 49)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:43. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has had any recent discussions with the British government in relation to legacy issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38331/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Smith
Ceist:49. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which she is engaging with the UK Government to ensure that the measures announced in The Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework are faithfully implemented in both jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37997/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 49 together.
Since taking office, I have had a series of engagements and discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on legacy issues, most recently at the British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference (BIIGC) in Hillsborough Castle on 30 April.
At the British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference, our discussion focused, in particular, on the implementation of the Joint Framework on legacy, published by our two governments on 19 September 2025.
I updated the Secretary of State on the progress we have made to date implementing our commitments in this jurisdiction.
The Garda Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit, as committed to under the Joint Framework, is up and running in terms of answering questions that victims or family members may have with regard to investigations.
The outline of the legislation to give effect to our commitments, and allow for the fullest possible cooperation with a reformed Legacy Commission is expected to be brought to Government for approval, and published, in the coming weeks.
While I reiterated my gratitude for the speed at which the UK government initially brought forward the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, I expressed my concern and disappointment at the time that has elapsed since the second reading in November 2025, with no date scheduled yet for the next step in the process, which is Committee stage. I received assurances from the Secretary of State that the Bill will return to the House of Commons in the new parliamentary session at Westminster, and that Committee stage will be scheduled at an early point.
It is essential that both governments work to implement what was agreed between us together last September, in full, and as soon as possible. That is the best route to truth accountability and justice for victims and their families, and victims and their families must continue to be our focus.
Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 9.
EU Meetings
Ceisteanna (45, 75)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Ceist:45. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on the discussion on the next EU budget at the EU General Affairs Council on 11 May 2026. [37808/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ryan O'Meara
Ceist:75. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the EU Multi-annual Financial Framework 2028-2034 was discussed at the recent meeting of the EU General Affairs Council. [37992/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 75 together.
On 11-12 May, Cyprus hosted an informal meeting of the EU General Affairs Council. Ministers had a substantive debate on the EU’s next long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), for the period 2028-2034. As the central forum for negotiating the MFF, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, represented Ireland at this meeting.
As part of discussions, Europe Ministers reflected on how to ensure the EU budget is sufficiently agile and adaptable in order to respond to the challenges that our citizens, communities and businesses may encounter in years to come. In this regard, the need to ensure predictability and flexibility within the MFF was strongly supported by the majority of Member States, who viewed the role of Council as critical. Implications of a number of mechanisms in the EU budget, including the proposed cascade mechanism within the National and Regional Partnership Plans, were also debated amongst Member States.
Under the Cyprus Presidency, the MFF is due to be discussed again at the 26 May and 16 June General Affairs Council meeting, and at the 18-19 European Council meeting.
During Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, it is expected that we will play a central role in negotiating the final stages of the MFF; seeking to reach workable compromises on the remaining and most challenges aspects of the budget. In this regard, I, alongside other responsible Ministers and officials, remain committed in acting as an honest broker to reach a timely agreement.
Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 12.
Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 37.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (48)
Colm Burke
Ceist:48. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will consider reviewing and reducing the current reprocessing timeline of passport applications (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38309/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Passport Service is meeting high demand for passports and has issued almost 400,000 passports to date in 2026.
The advertised passport processing times for complete and correct applications are:
Online simple adult renewal application - 10 working days
Online child/complex adult renewal application - 15 working days
Online first time application , adult or child - 20 working days
Passport Assist application - 6 weeks
If supporting documents are required for an application, turnaround times begin when these documents are received by the Passport Service. Incorrect or incomplete applications that require additional input from the applicant will take longer to process.
Since 2022, the Passport Service has operated a document management system whereby incomplete applications that require further supporting documents are prioritised once the additional documents are received by the Passport Service. These applications are then processed within 15 working days.
The Passport Service has public education materials, including video tutorials and detailed instructions on the application process, witnessing of guardian consent and how to submit a correct passport photo are available online: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/how-to-apply-for-a-passport/
These materials are communicated to citizens via social media channels.
Additionally, should assistance be required with an application, Customer Service agents are available by phone and webchat from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. Our agents can be contacted at +35316711633, or via the webchat service: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/contact-us/
As we approach the busy summer holiday season, I strongly urge anyone who is considering travelling overseas this year, particularly families with young children, to check the validity of their passports before booking travel, access the resources available and to apply online for their passports in plenty of time.
Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 43.
Departmental Strategies
Ceisteanna (50)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:50. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures that will be pursued under goal 1 of her Department’s new Statement of Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38332/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Statement of Strategy for my Department sets out key priorities for the next three years, including support to peace and reconciliation at home under Goal 1.
I continue to work closely with all key stakeholders towards full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements. I have visited Northern Ireland on five occasions since taking office and have met the First and deputy First Minister and party leaders to discuss the political situation and issues of common interest.
I engage regularly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Most recently, at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in April, we discussed progress in implementation of the Joint Framework on Legacy published by the two governments last September. It is essential that both governments work to implement what was agreed, in full, and as soon as possible. That is the best route to truth, accountability and where possible, justice for victims and their families.
Promoting reconciliation in Northern Ireland and throughout these islands remains a key priority for my Department. I launched a new Reconciliation Fund Strategy in Belfast in March. This includes commitments to support innovative peacebuilding work, in particular in the context of a demographic and technological landscape in Northern Ireland that has changed significantly.
The fifth round of the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, a separate funding instrument under the Shared Island Initiative that promotes cooperation between civic society organisations North and South, opened for applications in April. The Fund has a budget of €2 million in 2026.
My Department continues to support North-South cooperation and the all-island economy, monitoring impacts of the Windsor Framework and engaging with Northern counterparts. The thirty-first plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) took place in Armagh on 8 May. The Taoiseach led the Irish Government delegation and First Minister O’Neill and deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly led the Northern Ireland Executive delegation. Issues discussed included business and trade, tackling gender-based violence, infrastructure and investment cooperation, and emergency planning and preparedness.
I also hosted an NSMC Institutional Meeting on 8 May with the First and deputy First Ministers. Ministers noted the pivotal role which Ireland will play within the EU from 1 July as President of the Council of the European Union. Ministers also noted the progress being made in key areas under the Strategic Partnership between the UK and the EU. I also met bilaterally with the Executive's Minister for the Economy Caoimhe Archibald, and we agreed officials remain in contact across our departments on cross-cutting issues.
In East-West relations, there has been substantial progress in implementing the UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement. A second annual Summit was held in Cork in March and a joint communiqué was agreed with substantial new initiatives, including cooperation on urgent delivery of critical infrastructure and clean power, investing in innovation and skills, shared work on energy security and a renewed Defence Memorandum of Understanding. Annual summits will continue to drive forward this work.
Biannual meetings of the British Irish Council continue to provide an indispensable forum for discussion among the governments and administrations of these islands, while we also have ambitious cooperation frameworks with Wales and Scotland through to 2030, which are being implemented on an ongoing basis.
Construction work continues on the new Ireland House in London.
Finally, sharing relevant aspects of Ireland’s experience of the Northern Ireland peace process, a conflict once considered intractable, is now a regular part of Irish foreign policy. While every conflict is different, there is continued interest around the world in learning from the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement. As part of our goal to support peace and reconciliation at home and abroad, we support initiatives to share this experience. For example, in January, Ireland hosted the 8th meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. The meeting offered an opportunity for senior diplomats from over 50 countries and international organisations to hear from key figures in the peace process.
In support of the Statement of Strategy, my Department’s Action Plan for 2026 was published in March. This is the first plan of its kind for the Department, setting out clearly the work we will deliver over the coming year. The plan outlines the key actions we will take to achieve the goals in our Statement of Strategy and Programme for Government commitments.
Updates on the progress of my Department’s Action Plan can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-foreign-affairs/publications/dfat-departmental-action-plan-2026