Written answers
Thursday, 28 May 2026
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Programme for Government
Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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190. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide a report on the progress made implementing the Programme for Government commitments within her remit and on the achievements since the formation of the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41386/26]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department has made significant progress in delivering on our commitments under the Programme for Government since the formation of the Government. Updates on commitments on which the Department leads, co-leads or plays a significant role are set out below.
The Department also contributes to the delivery of a number of other Programme for Government commitments that are led by other Government departments.
| Commitment | Progress |
|---|---|
| Use the resources of our diplomatic missions and agencies to deliver ambitious targets | The mission network continues to deliver on all aspects of our high level objectives, guided by the Department's Statement of Strategy, by deepening our global engagement and driving trade and prosperity, responding to the complex global geopolitical context, serving our citizens and communities abroad, and promoting peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. The mission network works in close partnership with State agencies as part of Team Ireland overseas. |
| Support a new US-based Economic Advisory panel which would be made up of senior Irish or Irish-linked decision makers in key business sectors. | The Strategic Economic Advisory Panel (SEAP) was established in Q1 2025. SEAP meetings were held in Washington, D.C. and New York during high level visits by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in 2025. The Taoiseach chaired the fourth meeting of SEAP during his St. Patrick’s Day visit to Washington, D.C. in March 2026. The Taoiseach updated senior business leaders on efforts to strengthen Ireland's competitiveness and on EU policy, including Ireland's EU Presidency. The next meeting of SEAP is tentatively scheduled for Q4 2026 or early 2027. |
| Support an open, multilateral, rules based trade system, promoting free trade policies and economic growth. | The Government Action Plan on Market Diversification includes a number of actions that support an open, multilateral, rules-based system that promotes free trade policies and economic growth. The first Implementation Progress Report on the Action Plan was published in March 2026 and is available on Ireland.ie. DFAT led on Ireland’s participation at the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (26-29 March in Cameroon), focused on shoring up the multilateral trading system and efforts to reform the organisation. DFAT coordinated national engagement at the OECD where Ireland takes a consistent approach in support of an open, multilateral, rules-based trade system, promoting free trade policies and economic growth. DFAT also coordinates Ireland’s participation in the G20, where Ireland participated as a guest of the South African Presidency in 2025 and continues to do so having been invited to participate in the G20 under the US Presidency 2026. |
| Support an ambitious EU trade agenda, promoting new Free Trade Agreements, with proper assurances regarding sustainability, human rights and the protection of our agricultural sector. | Ireland engaged intensively with the European Commission and other Member States to defend Irish interests and adapt to the new EU-US trade relationship, successfully mitigating some of the potential worst-case outcomes. Ireland also contributed positively to significant progress being made across a range of trade negotiations, including the conclusion of negotiations with Indonesia, India and Australia in their respective Agreements. Ireland was active in seeking to secure agreement between the Council and the European Parliament on revising the EU GSP Regulation. Political agreement was reached on 1 December. The Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025 completed Report and Final Stages in the Dáil on 15 April 2026. The Bill, which is currently being debated in the Seanad, will enable ratification of CETA and other international agreements containing similar investment dispute resolution provisions. The Government Trade Forum, an important forum for discussion on trade matters, including the EU trade agenda, was established in February 2025 and has convened on 12 occasions since its establishment. |
| Work with like-minded EU countries to stand up for Irish farmers and defend our interests in opposing the current Mercosur trade deal. | The Government continued to engage at EU level – with both the European Commission and with counterparts in like-minded EU Member States – to voice our concerns with the EU-Mercosur agreement and to interrogate the outcome of negotiations to assess if our concerns have been adequately addressed. Ireland voted against the EU-Mercosur Agreement in January 2026. |
| Ensure there is continued support for climate finance delivered through Ireland’s Official Development Assistance programme, particularly in areas where communities are vulnerable to climate impacts. | At COP26, the Taoiseach committed that Ireland would provide at least €225 million in international climate finance to developing countries annually by 2025. The latest annual climate finance report, published in April, shows that Ireland has more than doubled our climate finance since 2020, reaching €207.7 million in 2024. Ireland remains fully on track to have reached the 2025 target. |
| Actively support climate initiatives to address the severe effects of drought, famine, and lack of clean water in collaboration with international partners. | Ireland provided funding to emergency response pooled mechanisms to respond to climate induced disasters in the most fragile contexts. This included €5.5m to the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) Climate Action Account and €4m in total to the Red Cross Global Climate Resilience Platform and Start Ready. In addition, Ireland continued its partnership with Concern Worldwide, providing €5 million for activities addressing acute malnutrition (wasting) in drought-prone border regions of Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. |
| Actively advocate for the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals both in Ireland and internationally | The promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ persons is a domestic and foreign policy priority for Ireland. Ireland participated in the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) and annual Pride events again in 2025 and will do so in 2026. Ireland is a member of the Equal Rights Coalition, and met with the group regularly to continue to work on the promotion and protection of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons globally and countering the current pushback on LGBTQI+ rights. |
| Engage in discussions at key international forums, including the EU and the UN, to uphold the universal nature of human rights, ensuring that these rights apply equally to all individuals, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. | Ireland strongly supported the renewal of the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC59). Ireland also delivered national statements at HRC59 and the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in Interactive Dialogues with UN experts on SOGI. Ireland is also a member of the Group of Friends of the mandate of the Independent Expert on SOGI. Ireland regularly raises the rights for LGBTQI+ people through the HRC Universal Periodic Review process and has chosen to prioritise gender equality and the rights of LGBTQI+ persons in the context of its campaign for membership of the HRC for the 2027-2029 term. Ireland is a candidate for election to the Human Rights Council for the term 2027-2029, with elections due to take place in October 2026. |
| Give effect to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance ‘Working Definition of Antisemitism’ and implement the EU declaration on ‘Fostering Jewish Life in Europe’. | Senior members of the Government have met regularly with representatives of Ireland’s Jewish communities, including the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Justice, and the Minister of State for European Affairs. Minister McEntee met with representatives of Ireland’s Jewish community in January 2026. DFAT officials also maintain regular contact with the Jewish community. In 2026, Ireland is providing €100,000 to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation in order to provide free guided virtual tours to all Irish secondary schools. DFAT organised a visit from the OSCE Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office for combatting antisemitism Rabbi Andrew Baker. DFAT officials attended and presented at an IHRA plenary in Jerusalem and will attend the upcoming IHRA plenary in Buenos Aires in June. The implementation of the IHRA Working Definition of antisemitism is primarily a matter for the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. |
| Support artists to access international opportunities through increased funding for Culture Ireland and support for our embassies to promote more bilateral exchanges. | Ireland’s specialist cultural attaché programme expanded during 2025, with new appointments at Embassies in India, China and South East Asia. Recruitment processes are live for new posts in Southern Africa and in Middle East & North Africa, with appointments anticipated in the coming months. |
| 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, highlighting Ireland’s connection to that story, both north and south. | The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade developed a programme of events and initiatives to mark the anniversary and highlight the contribution of Irish men and women to the development of the United States. This was a common theme across visits by the Taoiseach and Government ministers to eleven U.S. states for St Patrick’s Day. It is also reflected in a programme of event organised by Missions across the U.S. in 2026, with support from a dedicated fund at HQ. Other initiatives include a travelling exhibition in conjunction with EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and, in tandem with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, a project with the Irish Traditional Music Archive to develop a digital cultural atlas of Irish America. Highlighting the distinct contribution of Ulster-Scots to this story has been a key pillar of the programme. In March 2026, both the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive were represented at ministerial level at an academic event on the Ulster-Scots contribution to America250, held at Georgia Southern University and organised by Ireland’s Consulate General in Atlanta. |
| Promote an all-island approach to hosting major international sporting events, building on the Major International Events policy, including supporting the hosting of the 2027 Ryder Cup, Euro 2028, the T20 Cricket World Cup 2030, the Open Championships and bidding for major competitions. | The continuation of a structured and strategic approach to securing the hosting of major sporting events that can deliver all-island benefits, including co-hosting opportunities, is one of the actions in the International Sports Diplomacy Strategy launched in February 2026. This action is informed by the Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework 2024. Work is also ongoing to establish a formal structure across Government for the coordination of major sporting events. |
| Maintain and continue to grow the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund to build capacity of Irish media outlets to undertake quality reporting on international geopolitical events. | The latest application window for the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund (GIMCF) was opened in January 2025. Six additional media organisations were awarded funding for the 2025-2026 period, bringing to eight the total number of media organisations currently in receipt of GIMCF funding |
| Support the development of the Savings and Investment Union, seeking opportunities to improve competition in key financial sectors and to support the green and digital transitions. | Ireland proactively and collaboratively engaged in the negotiations for an EU-wide 2040 climate target. Ireland agreed to a highly ambitious target to reduce emissions by 90% by 2040, based on 1990 levels, while securing stronger language on food security, forestry and land use, renewable energy, and a just transition – including energy affordability. Ireland strongly supported the ambitious digital simplification package and has worked to develop a strong, coherent and stable digital regulatory framework. |
| Support and implement the European Green Deal, unlocking more of Europe’s renewable energy potential through enhanced EU co-operation and improved European grid connectivity. | Ireland accelerated the green energy transition by advancing policies which enhanced affordability for businesses and households while enabling faster adoption of renewables and robust energy security, including through engagement on the suite of measures proposed by the Commission in AccelerateEU in response to the energy shock precipitated by the recent conflict in the Middle East. Ireland prioritised an EU-wide approach to deployment and investment in grid infrastructure in order to enhance our competitiveness and has engaged on the European Grids Package published on 16 December 2025. Projects such as the Celtic Interconnector between Ireland and France, which will be a key first step towards expanding and diversifying interconnections, progressed. |
| Ensure there is an ambitious new European Budget settlement, protecting existing EU programmes and taking action on strategic priorities. | The proposal for the 2028 – 2034 Multiannual Financial Framework was published in July and September 2025. Since then, DFAT and the Department of Finance, as co-leads on Ireland’s position, have coordinated across Government to ensure Irish priorities and ambitions are well communicated and advanced. As we approach Ireland’s Presidency of the EU, Ireland will seek to advance workable compromises among Member States on the future EU budget. |
| Prioritise economic competitiveness in the EU and continue to promote international trade, as it is vital to the Irish economy. | Ireland is working to implement the files of the Competitive Compass outlined by the Commission. Ireland has also worked to take forward the implementation of the EU Single Market Strategy. Moreover, Ireland is advocating that the use of a “European Preference” should only take place in a targeted, evidence based manner and there should be no blanket application across our industrial policy toolkit. Ireland is prioritising an open economy with free and fair competition and the deepening of the Single Market, which should remain the EU’s main approach to enhancing competitiveness. Ireland is also advocating for Strengthening EU-US cooperation and are expressing caution regarding approaches that could disrupt transatlantic investment flows or global value chains. With the publication of the One Europe, One Market Roadmap in April, setting out ambitious timelines for the adoption of 42 competitiveness proposals by the end of 2027, Ireland will focus on making progress on the relevant targets. |
| Work to strengthen the application and monitoring of the rule of law across the EU, ensuring the non-partisan application of the Rule of Law mechanism, and ensure that all citizens in all members states feel equally protected from those who threaten our values, including their own governments. | Ireland, alongside a majority of Member States, intervened in support of the European Commission’s infringement procedure against Hungary in relation to the “National Sovereignty Protection” law passed in December 2023. On 12 February 2026, the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the EU delivered her Opinion that Hungary’s legislation had infringed EU law. On 21 April 2026, the Court of Justice of the EU ruled that, on Case C-769/22 | Commission v Hungary (Values of the European Union), by adopting a law which stigmatises and marginalises LGBTI+ persons, Hungary has acted in breach of EU law. This landmark case, in which Ireland intervened in support of the Commission, is the first where the Court finds an infringement of Article 2 TEU, which lists the values on which the Union is founded and which are common to all the Member States. DFAT’s European Enlargement and Fundamental Values Fund (EEFV) has provided €999,200 in 2025 in financial assistance to civil society groups and other bodies in EU Member States, including countries where the rule of law is under pressure. |
| Support sanctions against countries seeking to undermine European democracy. | Ireland implements EU and UN sanctions; this commitment is in progress. |
| Reduce where possible the regulatory burden simplifying EU rules for the SME and Farming sectors. | DFAT has coordinated work across Government on the EU’s simplification agenda to help reduce the regulatory burden, notably for SMEs and farming communities. Ireland has worked with EU partners to make progress on the implementation of the ten Omnibus simplification packages proposed by the Commission, which the Commission estimates will lead to administrative savings across the EU of €11 billion per year. |
| Deliver on plans to increase the number of Irish people applying for positions in the institutions of the European Union, including a communications campaign targeted at school leavers and graduates highlighting the opportunities available, and a partnership with third level providers to do the same. | DFAT continued to implement the “A Career for EU strategy” to increase Irish representation in EU institutions. Physical outreach at second and third-level careers fairs promoted EU careers to school leavers and graduates, while targeted social media campaigns encouraged professional applicants. Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, TD, participated in local radio interviews. The dedicated website ireland.ie/en/eu-jobs received thousands of visits. Extensive training and supports continued for Irish candidates. |
| Develop and promote projects which build links and understanding with other EU capitals and regions in the fields of culture, education, research and innovation. | In 2025, Ireland promoted Irish culture across EU Member States through a €250,000 fund allocated to Irish Embassies and Consulates throughout Europe to facilitate cultural and educational initiatives that showcase Irish arts and identity. |
| Stand by the EU’s accession promises, promoting a positive enlargement strategy for Ukraine, the Western Balkans, Moldova and Georgia. | Ireland continued to promote and support progressing EU enlargement policy and individual candidacies on a merit-basis. In advance of our EU Presidency, in September 2025, Ireland opened embassies in three candidate countries, in Bosnia Herzegovina, Moldova and Serbia. Over the last year, the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence visited Albania, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Ukraine and reaffirmed Ireland’s strong support for their respective EU accession paths. Over the past months, and in the months ahead, Ireland has hosted and will continue to host a number of ministerial visits from candidate and potential candidate countries. Ireland has also supported several projects to support candidate and potential candidate countries’ EU accession processes. |
| Promote closer co-operation with candidate countries, assisting these nations to align with EU standards. | A three year 'Ireland for EU Enlargement Programme', funded through EU and Trade Policy Divisions' EU Enlargement and Fundamental Values fund, is being delivered by the Institute of Public Administration together with the Podgorica-based Western Balkans Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA) to support capacity building in candidate countries focusing on the Rule of Law, digitalisation and economic transformations. In November, 48 senior officials from candidate countries travelled to Dublin for further classes and engagements to build capacity and awareness of EU standards and policies. In 2026, the “Ireland for EU Enlargement Programme” has been extended to include all six Western Balkan countries as well as Ukraine and Moldova. In the first week of June, 55 senior officials will travel to Dublin to mark the launch of the second year of the programme. Ireland has also made a contribution of €1.5 million towards the “Ukraine2EU”, a programme supporting Ukraine’s EU accession path. |
| Introduce a new John Hume Fund in honour of one of Ireland’s greatest ever patriots and only member of the European Parliament to win a Nobel Prize. This is to be awarded annually by that Parliament to a person or organisation who promotes reconciliation and shared prosperity in Europe. | EU and Trade Policy Division within DFAT established a new European Parliament Unit last year. The purpose of this unit is to maximise opportunities for effective Irish engagement with the European Parliament, both as a key partner in our ongoing work and in particular with a view to an effective Irish Presidency in 2026. As part of this work, the unit has engaged in outreach around the establishment of a John Hume Fund, conducting research on existing awards granted by the European Parliament and gathering views from relevant interlocutors, with a view to recommending a way forward on the establishment of a new fund in cooperation with the European Parliament. |
| Publish plans for our upcoming Presidency to deliver against strategic priorities for Europe and Ireland. | The priorities and policy programme for Ireland’s EU Presidency are now being finalised; in line with convention, the programme will be published in June 2026. |
| Host an informal meeting of the European Council and a meeting of the European Political Community in Ireland during the Presidency, as well as a programme of between 16 and 20 informal Council meetings at Ministerial level. | Extensive planning work has been carried out to prepare for the programme of meetings to be hosted across Ireland during our EU Presidency. These will include a summit of the European Political Community, an informal meeting of the European Council and 22 informal Ministerial meetings. Overall, we expect to host more than 250 Presidency events here. DFAT has chaired monthly Inter-Departmental meetings on Operational Presidency Planning to support delivery of the Presidency meeting programme in Ireland. |
| Seek 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. | Six informal Ministerial meetings (involving EU Ministers responsible for Employment and Social Affairs, Fisheries, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Telecommunications and Equality) will be hosted in regional locations, in Counties Mayo, Cork, Wicklow, Limerick and Kerry. A range of other conferences, official-level meetings and other events will take place in regional locations across Ireland. |
| Provide for a sustainability policy for the Presidency. | A sustainability policy for Ireland’s EU Presidency has been developed and is being implemented. |
| Continue to work with partners in the region to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the return of all hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid. We will also work with partners to help rebuild Gaza as soon as practicable. | Ireland remains committed to working with key partners to end the conflict in Gaza, and to advancing a sustainable peace plan. Ending the conflict and addressing the huge challenges facing Palestinians in Gaza has implications for regional security and stability. Ireland continues to have grave concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Ireland continues to call for Israel to immediately remove restrictions on aid access and facilitate essential supplies and services to reach people across the Gaza Strip. On 13 January, Minister McEntee announced that Ireland will provide €42 million in assistance to the people of Palestine in 2026, including €20 million in core funding to support the work of UNRWA in providing vital services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the West Bank, and across the region. Ireland has provided over €122 million in support to the people of Palestine since January 2023. This includes €68 million to UNRWA of which €10 million was provided in January 2026. |
| Seek to grow the international coalition of countries supporting a two-state solution through recognition of the State of Palestine and continue to advocate for internationally sponsored political negotiations on achieving a peaceful and secure Israel and Palestine. | Ireland stands ready to play our part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine through the implementation of the two-State solution. Ireland was active in preparing the UN High-level Conference on the Two-State Solution held in New York from 28 - 30 July. The outcome document from the meeting – the New York Declaration – has been endorsed by 142 countries. The Taoiseach attended the re-convened Conference during UN High Level Week in late September 2025. We welcome that the actions in the New York Declaration have influenced the drafting of the US Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. Ireland is an active member of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, and hosted a meeting of the Global Alliance in January 2026. The Dublin 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. |
| Continue to seek the application of International Law and justice to all sides in the current conflict through the international court system. | Ireland has continued to seek the application of International Law and justice to all sides in the current conflict through the international court system by participation in relevant International Court of Justice proceedings, and support to the International Criminal Court. |
| Advocate for a meaningful interpretation of Israel’s human rights obligations under the EU-Israel association agreement at European Commission level and continue to advocate a review of the EU Trade Agreement. | Ireland has consistently called for the EU to take concrete action in response to egregious Israeli breaches of human rights and democratic principles. Ireland welcomed proposals from the European Commission in September 2025 to suspend the core trade-related provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. In advance of the April 2026 Foreign Affairs Council, the Foreign Ministers of Ireland, Spain and Slovenia wrote to the HR/VP requesting a discussion of the EU-Israel Association Agreement at the next meeting of Ministers. The Ministers of all three countries called for the suspension of the Association Agreement at that time. At the May 2026 Foreign Affairs Council, Ireland also called on EU partners to re-consider the proposal put forward by the President of the Commission to suspend the trade-related provisions of the Association Agreement, or at least to agree to a complete prohibition on trade with Israeli settlements, on the basis of EU Common Commercial Policy. In parallel, Ireland continues to press for a ban on trade with settlements at the EU level in light of the 2024 ICJ Advisory Opinion and has called for a proposal from the Commission in this regard. The Taoiseach also wrote to European Council President Costa on 20 May, reiterating Ireland’s position on EU trade with Israel and requesting an urgent discussion of these issues among EU leaders at the next meeting of the European Council on 18-19 June. |
| Progress legislation prohibiting goods from Occupied Palestinian Territories following the July 2024 International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion. | The Government approved the text of the Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026 on 26 May 2026. The Bill fulfils the commitment set out in the Programme for Government to progress legislation to prohibit the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. Once the Bill is enacted and commenced, the importation of goods originating in the settlements into Ireland will be an offence under section 14 of the Customs Act 2015. The Government will seek to enact the Bill before the summer recess. |
| Continue to oppose and condemn Hamas and other groups which bring terror and destruction to their own people and others. | Ireland has consistently condemned Hamas and stated that the PA is the only credible and legitimate interlocutor on the Palestinian side and must be fully engaged. |
| Support UNRWA and advocate within Europe for increased support. | The Government maintained the increased annual level of Irish core funding to UNRWA at €20 million and has taken a lead in the EU in advocating for support for the Agency by the Commission and Member States. This support to UNRWA was announced on 13 January by Minister McEntee within the 2026 €42 million package for the people of Palestine. Ireland’s first tranche of €10 million was paid to UNRWA in 2026. The Government has continued to encourage UN Member States to increase funding to UNRWA, including at the EU, which confirmed its €82 million package for UNRWA on 16 April. |
| Work with partners in the EU to introduce further sanctions against illegal settler activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. | Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law. This is the longstanding position of the European Union. Instances of settler violence have intensified in recent months. It is vital that the perpetrators of these crimes are held to account. Ireland has strongly supported the sanctions adopted by the EU against both individuals and entities involved in settler violence. At the May 2026 Foreign Affairs Council, Foreign Ministers finally reached agreement on the Commission proposal to sanction extremist Israeli settlers and entities, as well as leading Hamas figures. |
| Continue to unequivocally support Ukraine, affirming that Russia cannot win this war and supporting Ukrainian resistance through our contribution to the European Peace Facility and the Ukraine Facility. | The Government consistently provided strong political, humanitarian, economic and non-lethal military support. We used our position and voice at all levels to support Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to live in peace and conveyed this directly to President Zelenskyy during his visit to Ireland in December 2025. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade visited Ukraine in March 2026. Ireland strongly supported the provision of an EU loan of €90 billion to Ukraine for the period 2026-2027. As the ability to channel non-lethal military support through the EPF became limited in 2025, the Government provided non-lethal military support to Ukraine bilaterally, allocating €200 million in 2025 outside the EPF. We supported peace efforts as part of the EU and through our membership of the Coalition of the Willing. |
| Work to enhance existing sanctions against Russia by identifying and closing loopholes to ensure maximum effectiveness. | Over the last 12 months, Ireland has strongly supported the 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th packages of sanctions against Russia. Ireland has also supported further sanctions relating to the Shadow Fleet and against sanctions circumvention. Ireland is preparing to make an important contribution towards EU sanctions policy during the EU Presidency in the second half of 2026. |
| Strongly advocate for Ukrainian membership of the European Union, facilitating their integration into the European community. | Ireland has continued to strongly advocate for Ukrainian membership of the EU and for the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine. Ireland reaffirmed support for Ukraine's EU accession during President Zelenskyy's visit in December 2025 and the visit to Ukraine by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in March 2026. Ireland supported €1.5 million in funding for the Ukraine2EU initiative. This initiative is providing support to Ukraine in coordinating and monitoring its accession process and ensuring harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with EU Law. |
| Continue to fund rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine, including school rebuilding and water infrastructure programmes. | In 2025, Ireland provided €35.7 million in humanitarian assistance and stabilisation supports to Ukraine and neighbouring countries, including supports to shelter, water, sanitation, energy and essential health infrastructure through supporting underground maternal and perinatal units. In February 2026, a further contribution of €25 million was made to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to assist with the repair and restoration of critical energy infrastructure in Ukraine. In April, a further package of €40.3 million in humanitarian assistance and stabilisation supports was announced which will be provided in the current year. Ireland is working in cooperation with Lithuania to support the building of school shelters in Ukraine, and since November 2025 has also been a member of the Civil Protection Shelter Coalition which supports the provision of civil protection shelters in Ukraine. |
| Continue to increase Official Development Assistance annually, working towards the UN target of 0.7% of Gross National Income. | The allocation for Irish Aid was increased to €810.3 million for 2025 and, following Budget 2026, the allocation for 2026 will rise to €866.4 million. These are the highest levels ever in the 52-year history of the development programme. Ireland's total ODA for 2025 is reported as €1.86 billion, or 0.42% of GNP. |
| Deliver on Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap to address climate challenges and prioritise funding for adaptation efforts in countries most vulnerable to climate change, particularly Small Island Developing States. | Implementation of Roadmap actions and priorities continued. An external review of the Roadmap was completed in late 2025, reflecting measurable progress. The Review and accompanying Management Response was published in April. |
| Recommit Ireland to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. | Ireland continued to take a lead role in commitment to the SDGs. The allocation agreed for 2026 for the international development assistance programme under DFAT, Irish Aid, stands at €866.4 million, the highest ever level. The Taoiseach participated in the ‘SDG Moment’ during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2025. The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment will reiterate Ireland's commitment to the SDGs at the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2026. |
| Support the new Fund for Loss and Damage, prioritising the world’s most vulnerable countries. | Ireland has contributed €25 million to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage following our pledge at COP28 in 2023. Ireland shares a seat on the Board with the European Commission. |
| Work with international partners to keep attention on the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan. | DFAT has continued to raise the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan at all appropriate opportunities in international fora. DFAT also advocated strongly for and ensured Ireland played a lead role in the establishment of an Independent Accountability Mechanism at UN HRC60 in October 2025. For the 2025-2026 term, Ireland joined the Advisory Board of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF), a UN country-based pooled fund which directs humanitarian funding in Afghanistan, to where needs are greatest. In 2025, Ireland provided €4.97 million in humanitarian funding to support needs in Afghanistan and amongst Afghan refugees in neighbouring states, and emergency response following the August 2025 Kunar earthquake. So far in 2026, Ireland has provided €3 million to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund and another €1.5 million to support the UNHCR Afghanistan Situation Response including support to Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan. An additional €400,000 has been budgeted to support the response in Afghanistan of Concern Worldwide. |
| Significantly increase the proportion of ODA that is channelled into the education of young people in developing countries, particularly the education of girls. | DFAT is working with existing and potential partners to identify impactful education programming opportunities that align with Ireland’s policy for international development, A Better World. |
| Advocate for greater attention on the conflict in Sudan. | Ireland continues to work to ensure that Sudan remains high on the international agenda through various multilateral fora, including the EU Foreign Affairs Council, and the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council. Ireland provided €14.3 million in humanitarian assistance in 2025 to support communities in Sudan and those displaced in neighbouring countries. Ireland will significantly increase our assistance in response to the Sudan conflict to at least €21 million this year. This funding will be needs based and flexible, with a focus on reaching those furthest behind. |
| Develop a strategy to map, support, and tell the story of Irish investment overseas. | DFAT supported the development of projects mapping Ireland’s economic and trade relationship with both Canada and the United States, which included Ireland's investment in those markets. A similar project is underway on the Ireland-Mexico economic relationship and a number of other projects are in the pipeline. |
| Continue to implement and enhance whole-of-government strategies covering Latin America, Asia-Pacific, including China, US & Canada and Africa. | The whole-of-government strategies developed under Global Ireland 2025 have continued to be implemented. Work to develop successor strategies will continue throughout 2026, including in the context of the development of a new framework Global Ireland 2040 strategy. |
| Continue to develop Ireland’s presence around the world, with an expansion of the successful Ireland House concept; where all of our agencies are in one location, maximising impact in host countries and value for Irish taxpayers at home. | New Ireland Houses were developed and opened in Tokyo and Chicago in 2025, bringing the total number of Ireland Houses to 20 by mid-2025. The Embassy of Ireland, Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland share the new Ireland House in Tokyo, and the Consulate General of Ireland and IDA Ireland share the new Ireland House in Chicago. New Ireland Houses are under development or planned in five other locations; in London, Lyon, Toronto, Milan and Madrid, with Lyon expected to be completed in the coming weeks, and both London and Toronto expected to be completed by the end of 2027. This will bring the total number of Ireland Houses to 24 by 2027, as Madrid is an existing Ireland House with plans in train to move to a new premises. |
| Develop a new Diaspora Strategy to ensure that the new generation and profile of emigrants are aware of and can access support overseas and develop our international diaspora networks using online and data-based initiatives. | Following extensive consultations with the Irish diaspora, involving 27 formal in person consultations in 17 countries. Minister of State Richmond launched the government’s Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030 at the Global Irish Civic Forum in April. Development of the Action Plan for the new Strategy is underway. |
| Deliver an ambitious digital strategy that works towards digital passports for those who want to avail of them in the future, as part of better digital public services. | Officials have engaged with a number of issuing authorities, with some already having run pilot programmes. Building on these insights, the Passport Service is commencing a limited DTC pilot with an EU partner that will inform next steps. |
| Strengthen our political, cultural, economic and trade relationship with the US at all levels, recognising the unique significance of the transatlantic relationship between us. | This is a priority for the Department, including its embassy and consulates across the U.S. In 2025, the Department supported over 68 high level visits to and from the U.S. We continue to support and deliver a high frequency of engagements inward and outward in 2026. These visits reinforce relationships and U.S. understanding of Irish positions and objectives. Work is underway to prepare a new strategy for Irish engagement with the United States. For St Patrick’s Day 2026, in addition to the Taoiseach’s visit to Washington, seven other Government Ministers and the Ceann Comhairle undertook programmes across the U.S. In total, they visited 14 cities in 11 States, meeting with 2 Governors, 3 Lt. Governors, and 12 Mayors (including from 6 of the 12 largest U.S. cities by population). |
| Enhance our diplomatic presence across the US, particularly in a number of southern states to ensure we are best placed to influence, anticipate and respond to any planned changes by the new US Administration. | Budget 2026 included an allocation to reinforce our U.S. engagement. The coming months will see a 14% increase in the number of Irish diplomats posted to the U.S. In September 2025, the Tánaiste opened Ireland’s new Embassy building on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. The Government has also deepened its sectoral expertise in the U.S. with the presence of two Talent and Innovation Attachés in Boston and San Francisco. Ireland's Honorary Consul Network has also been expanded. |
| Build on emerging and improving connections with state legislatures across the US. | There has been significant Government and diplomatic engagement with U.S state legislators, in Ireland and through our U.S. network. |
| Create more pathways for companies to invest in the USA as Ireland is already amongst the highest inward investors in the USA. | Our diplomatic network works closely with Irish companies and State Agencies to promote opportunities for expansion in the U.S. It also communicates Irish investment into the U.S. and highlights the mutually beneficial nature of the economic relationship. This was a significant focus of St Patrick’s Day messaging across the U.S. in 2026. The diplomatic network was expanded with four additional diplomatic officer posts approved for our USA Consulate General network to focus on trade and investment support. In May 2026, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, led Ireland’s largest-ever company delegation to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington D.C. More than 50 Irish firms attended the event. |
| Work with our European partners to ensure a coordinated approach to the Transatlantic Relationship and boost intra-EU collaboration on competitiveness and productivity projects of common interest. | At EU level, Ireland is advocating for strengthening EU-US cooperation and is expressing caution regarding approaches that could disrupt transatlantic investment flows or global value chains. |
| Develop a specific strategy to grow the Irish Diaspora in the US. | Following extensive consultations with the Irish diaspora, including five in-person meetings in the U.S., Minister of State Richmond launched the government’s Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030 at the Global Irish Civic Forum in April. Development of the Action Plan for the new Strategy is underway. The Minister launched the strategy in the U.S. during a visit to New York in May. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade launched the Government’s new “Shared Home Place: Diaspora Voices” initiative, at a St. Patrick’s Day event at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. |
| Advocate with the US Administration and Capitol Hill to advance the case of undocumented Irish citizens in the US. | The Department and mission network continue to advocate on behalf of our undocumented citizens in the U.S. In 2025, the Government provided over €4.5 million to Irish organisations in the United States, including those organisations and Irish centres that provide trusted information, legal resources and support to those seeking to regularise their immigration status. |
| Work with victims’ groups, political parties and the British Government to develop a fit-for-purpose mechanism to seek truth and justice for victims and their families. | The Tánaiste and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland published The Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework, a comprehensive package designed to provide truth, accountability and, where possible, justice for victims and families who have lost loved ones. This is a significant development, representing progress on an issue that has eluded agreement for decades. The focus now moves to implementation in both jurisdictions. |
| Support the PEACEPLUS and Interreg programmes to assist communities across the island and commence planning for successor programme. | Programme rollout progressed well, with 94% of the €1.1 billion funding available already allocated to projects. On 6 March 2025, following the British/Irish Summit, the Taoiseach and the UK Prime Minister issued a Joint Statement outlining their shared commitment to the successful delivery of the 2021-2027 PEACE PLUS programme and their agreement, in principle, to a successor programme. Negotiations for 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, which will provide the framework for the next programme, are ongoing following the publication of Commission proposals in July 2025. |
| Increase Irish Government investment in community-level reconciliation through the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund. | The Reconciliation Fund in DFAT will stand at over €8 million in 2026 – an increase of €1 million from 2025. The closing date for annual and multiannual funding applications was 16 April. |
| Advocate for the re-establishment and full operation of a Northern Ireland Civic Forum as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement. | In July 2025, First Minister O'Neill and deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly forwarded a written statement to Assembly members, outlining their intention to reconstitute the Civic Forum on a compact, flexible and agile basis that complements the Executive's processes of stakeholder engagement in policy formulation. |
| Enhance Irish-British relations, recognising that the peace process thrives when both governments act as full partners and co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. | Enhanced Government contact was delivered with the second annual UK-Ireland Summit held in Cork in March 2026 and further joint cooperation activities advanced under the Joint Statement 2030. There has been continued engagement between the two Governments on legacy that resulted in the Joint Framework on Legacy agreed between the two governments in 2025. Official and political engagement has also continued via the British Irish Council, including high-level attendance at the twice annual BIC Summit. |
| Establish new arrangements to support and strengthen interaction between the two Governments, encouraging co-operation across all aspects of our partnership, including the North-South bodies. | Implementation of the Ireland-UK Joint Statement 2030 is well underway: the first annual Ireland-UK Youth Forum was held in Dublin in January 2026; the second annual UK-Ireland Summit was held in Cork in March 2026; the UK and Ireland announced €12m in funding for 12 cultural initiatives in March; progress has been made on the North-South Interconnector; among other advances. 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 alongside a number of other Government Ministers. Issues discussed included business and trade, tackling gender-based violence, infrastructure and investment cooperation, and emergency planning and preparedness. The Taoiseach provided an update on planning for Ireland’s EU Presidency in his opening remarks. The Fifteenth Institutional Meeting of the NSMC was held on 8 May with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the FM and dFM. 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, and that cooperation between both jurisdictions will continue in the context of the evolving nature of UK-EU relations. |
| Hold annual summits between the two Heads of Government, providing a platform to review joint efforts and deepen co-operation. | The second annual UK-Ireland Summit was held in March 2026 in Cork, with significant high-level political participation on both sides. |
| Continue to work with British counterparts to deliver the successful operation of the Common Travel Area. | The first CTA Plenary of 2026 was held in Dublin in January, with the UK set to host a second meeting this year. Regular dialogue has been maintained at political and official level with UK counterparts on developments of potential relevance to the CTA and the entry into force of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme. |
| Co-operate on a North – South and East – West basis in the area of renewable energy with a view to establishing joint objectives and maximising collaboration. | There was a renewed commitment and focus on energy cooperation with Scotland and Wales in the new framework agreements for cooperation with each nation. Both agreements were launched in 2025 and run until 2030. |
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