Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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90. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on international engagements carried out by the Minister for International Development and the Diaspora carried out since the start of 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23952/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The role of the Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora underlines Ireland's long-standing commitment to supporting development programmes that help to bring about positive change in the lives of people around the world, as well as ensuring our continued strong links with Irish communities worldwide.

Since the beginning of the 2024, Minister Fleming in his role as Minister for International Development and the Diaspora has represented Ireland at a series of international engagements. These engagements include:

The 3^rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum and the 24^th EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting held in Brussels in February.

An Informal Foreign Affairs Council on Development held in Brussels in February.

The United Nations series of events held in New York in observation of the 2^nd anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Representing Ireland at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Nigeria and Ghana and meeting with key partners and officials in both countries.

The International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and its Neighbours, held in Paris in April.

A Formal Foreign Affairs Council on Development held in Brussels in May.

Minister Fleming's participation at these events allowed Ireland's voice to be heard on matters of international importance. As an example, Minister Fleming's travel to New York in February was to participate in a series of engagements at the United Nations to mark the two year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Minister delivered Ireland’s national statement to the United Nations General Assembly and joined Ministers from across the EU in a joint statement delivered by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba ahead of a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine. Minister Fleming also met with key UN partners involved in the humanitarian response in Ukraine.

Additionally, while in New York Minister Fleming met with members of the local Irish community, including 60 J1 students and prospective employers at the launch of the Graduate Gateway programme. This new initiative is designed to connect Irish graduates with job opportunities in the New York tri-state area as spearheaded by recipients of funding from the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme.