Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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168. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total cost of producing the Global Island policy document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7474/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Together with the Taoiseach, I launched the Government's review of Foreign Policy The Global Island: Ireland's Foreign Policy for a Changing World on 13 January 2015 at the conference organised by my Department on “Representing the Global Island”. The purpose of the review was to provide a progressive and forward looking statement of Ireland's foreign policy written in clear and accessible language. The document includes features which communicate simply and effectively what is delivered across Government to achieve Ireland's foreign policy goals.

As I outlined in my foreword to the review, through our foreign policy we safeguard our peace, security and economic prosperity, and promote reconciliation and cooperation at home. At the core of this foreign policy are the protection of our citizens and the promotion of our values abroad. The Global Island considers the challenges and opportunities for Ireland's foreign policy under five interconnected themes: Our People, Our Values, Our Prosperity, Our Place in Europe and Our Influence.

The Global Islandis the result of a wide-ranging process of consultation involving other Departments, State agencies, the Oireachtas, civil society and members of the public. I will be bringing forward a series of initiatives to implement the vision and goals set out in review in the period ahead.

The electronic version of the review was prioritised both to reduce costs and ensure broad accessibility, including overseas. This version was made available from the launch date in accessible electronic formats in both official languages and eReader versions will be available shortly. A limited print run of The Global Island was commissioned and is being distributed to key contacts and decision-makers at home and abroad.

The total cost for the production of the Foreign Policy Review is estimated at €40,069. This includes design, layout and preparation of both English and Irish versions as well as printing, translation and electronic versions in both official languages. As some items have yet to be invoiced, the cost outlined is approximate at this stage.