Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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166. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the strength of the relationship between Ireland and Australia; and the events planned to mark 80 years of diplomatic relations with same. [21775/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland and Australia enjoy warm and strong bilateral relations founded on historic ties of kinship and a shared commitment to democratic values. Both countries work closely together on issues of mutual interest, including defending multilateralism and the rules-based international order. These were among the issues discussed when bilateral consultations at senior official level took place in Dublin last November. We are also working more closely with Australia in the context of our current G20 membership where there are many issues on which we can cooperate to good effect.

There continues to be a strong level of political engagement with Australia, with both my colleagues, the Minister for Education and the Minister of State for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, undertaking very successful visits to mark St. Patrick’s Day this year. The Government was also represented at the recent ANZAC Day ceremonies which the Australian and New Zealand Embassies organised on 25 April. The Australian Government has also appointed a new Ambassador to Dublin who will present her credentials to the President in the coming weeks while a new Irish Ambassador to Australia will also take up duty after the summer.

I look forward to marking the 80 years of diplomatic relations with Australia in 2026. Ireland’s mission network will begin engaging with its Australian counterparts this year to plan events for this significant anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Planning is also now well advanced for the opening of our new Consulate General in Melbourne in early 2026. This will represent a worthy contribution to the celebrations of the anniversary of diplomatic relations as well as further demonstrating the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral ties as well as of our intent to provide assistance to the strong and growing Irish community in the State of Victoria. The 2026 programme for St. Patrick’s Day in Australia will also have a strong focus on celebrating 80 years of diplomatic relations.