Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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155. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which the €10 million investment in new embassies and consulates under Budget 2026 will be geographically allocated to support Irish citizens and businesses abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57062/25]

Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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172. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic and consular network globally under the Global Ireland strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57061/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 172 together.

Global Ireland 2025 was launched by Government with the aim of doubling Ireland’s footprint and impact by 2025. Under the strategy, Ireland’s diplomatic footprint has expanded significantly with the opening or announcement of twenty-seven new missions.

In March 2024, five diplomatic missions were announced. They are embassies in Belgrade, Chisinau and Sarajevo; and consulates general in Málaga and Melbourne. The three embassies are now operational, with the consulates general scheduled to become so over the course of 2026. Budget 2026 includes an investment of €9.7 million in the opening and operation of these five new missions.

The Government will also invest an additional €2.5 million to reinforce Ireland’s mission network across the USA and strengthen Ireland’s presence in key locations around the world as part of our Market Diversification Strategy. This is a direct response to the new global trade challenges. As Minister responsible for trade policy, I know how important it is that we are responsive to meeting these economic challenges.

Budget 2026 sees us increase support for Irish citizens abroad. We will invest an additional €15 million into our Passport Service, while also investing an additional €1 million into the Emigrant Support Programme to support the government’s new diaspora strategy.

There has never been a more important time for Ireland to have a strong presence globally. The Government is committed to developing a Global Ireland 2040 strategy as an overarching masterplan to enhance Ireland’s place in the world, our influence in international affair, and to support the important work of our Embassies and Consulates promoting Ireland as a place to visit, work, invest or study. This is a Whole of Government strategy which will set out Ireland's place in the world and our diplomatic, economic and citizen priorities internationally. Decisions on further expansion of the diplomatic network will be made in the context of the new strategy.