The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for Vote 27 – International Cooperation - and Vote 28 - the Departmental Vote. Vote 27 delivers on Ireland's global development commitments, focusing on hunger and poverty, and largely relates to programmes administered by Irish Aid. Vote 28 funds the Department's activities in promoting Ireland's economic and trade interests in Europe and internationally; in advancing reconciliation and cooperation on this island; contributing to international peace, security and human rights; providing consular and passport services for Irish citizens, and engaging with Irish communities abroad.
As indicated in the Expenditure Report 2014, gross total expenditure envisaged for the Department in 2014 is in the sum of € 693 m, consisting of € 687 m in current expenditure and € 6.5 m in capital expenditure. This represents a reduction in overall terms of € 22 m compared with the Estimates for 2013, as revised in accordance with the Comprehensive Review during the year. The main elements in the reduction in funding relate to the provision for development cooperation under Vote 27; the ending of provision for the EU Presidency following its successful completion this year, under Vote 28; and reductions in pay affecting staff across both Votes in accordance with the Haddington Road Agreement.