Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 February 2014
49. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to link the reviews of Irish foreign policy, Irish aid and Irish defence policy, in view of the cross-cutting issues and need for inter-departmental and inter-agency co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8432/14]
View answerAs the Deputy acknowledges, Ireland’s foreign policy and external relations involve a broad range of cross-cutting themes and issues. This reflects the importance of coherent external action for the pursuit of a number of Government objectives.
When I initiated the Review of our Foreign Policy and External Relations in October, I indicated that the whole of Government aspects of our foreign policy will be an important theme. To this end, there has been a broad-based process of consultation, involving Government Departments and State Agencies, to enable Departments to contribute to the Review and to ensure that we take a joined up approach to our foreign policy. I am pleased with the engagement from Departments and Agencies in this process. This is in addition to the regular and ongoing contact between Departments on a broad range of external issues and policy objectives.
The Government adopted a new policy for International Development, One World One Future, last May, following a detailed process of consultation including, inter alia, other Government Departments. This Policy, which sets out the vision, goals and priorities for our engagement on international development, will be fully reflected in the outcome of the Review of Foreign Policy and External Relations, in keeping with the importance of international development objectives to other aspects of our foreign policy.
The Department of Defence is currently engaged in a consultation process leading to a White Paper on Defence, due to be finalised later this year. Officials from my Department are in regular contact with the Department of Defence to ensure that we pursue a coherent approach to the issues involved, both in connection with the Review and also on an ongoing basis.
I am confident that these contacts, and the ongoing cooperation across Government, on external relations issues, will ensure that we continue to pursue a coherent, whole of Government approach to the promotion of Ireland’s values and interests abroad.
