Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:111. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the main policy initiatives undertaken by his Department since 27 June 2020; and his main priorities for 2021. [2085/21]
View answerThursday, 14 January 2021
Questions (111)
Written answers
Overcoming the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presents to the health and well-being of our citizens is a critical and immediate priority for this Government. During the initial period of the crisis my Department supported the repatriation of more than 8,000 Irish citizens and secured essential PPE for our health workers. We are also supporting the Diaspora who have been effected by the pandemic. My Department has developed strong information flows across Government on global developments which have informed critical decision making. My Department will contribute to economic recovery as we move to the next phase in 2021.
Ireland is a committed member of the European Union and during 2020 my Department has been working with our European colleagues to assist each other during this time of crisis, and as we rebuild our economies. This work will continue and deepen in 2021 and beyond.
My Department will work to protect the island of Ireland from the worst effects of Brexit, and as the inextricably linked histories of Ireland and Britain enter a new phase, we will foster enhanced links between our States to protect and strengthen our bilateral relations.
A key priority of Government is the commitment to work with all communities and traditions on the island of Ireland to build consensus around a shared future. This consensus will be underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement and by absolute respect for the principle of consent.
Membership of the UN is a cornerstone of Ireland’s foreign policy and in June 2020, Ireland secured a seat on the UN Security Council, after a highly competitive election, for a two year period 2021/22. At a time of ever-more complex global threats, which have no international boundaries, such as climate change and pandemics, only coordinated international action and collaboration will bring about solutions. This month, as we take up our seat on the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 session, we are strongly committed to playing a highly constructive role which is underpinned by our commitment to peacebuilding, human rights, disarmament, sustainable development and supporting a rules-based international environment.
Delivering first class consular and passport services to our citizens will remain an essential priority. Our global diaspora remain an integral part of the wider Irish family and my Department will continue to work with them in maintaining and deepening this vital relationship. In November 2020, my Department published a new Diaspora Strategy as part of a series of measures to strengthen our relationship with the diaspora from 2020 to 2025.
Recognising the significance of the transatlantic relationship between Ireland and the US, we will strengthen our diplomatic, cultural, and economic relationship with the US at all levels in 2021, and will act as a bridge in the transatlantic relationship between the EU and US.
Ireland’s Overseas Development Assistance programme is an essential element of our overall foreign policy and national presence overseas, enabling the country to respond to complex human needs and humanitarian crises around the world. The Government is committed to reaching our goal of contributing 0.7% of GNI on overseas development cooperation, and our work to implement the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2020 we have been able to pivot some additional development support to address the impact of COVID on the most vulnerable in the world and will in 2021 continue this effort to support investment in public health.
We will provide support for those countries that are poorest and most vulnerable to climate shocks and ensure that climate change is included as a core theme in strategy development where Ireland has a significant development cooperation programme including Small Island Developing States. As a small island nation ourselves, we will lead by example in protecting our oceans and will emphasise climate action as a priority in our multilateral engagement.
Our Missions abroad are charged with promoting Ireland, identifying new markets and opportunities for Irish business, and protecting and supporting Irish citizens. We will continue to implement the Global Ireland Strategy which includes the commitment to double our global footprint by 2025. In 2021, we are planning to open new Embassies in Morocco, the Philippines and Ukraine and a Consulate General in Manchester, subject to available resources and managing the constraints placed by COVID.
My Department will soon publish its new Statement of Strategy for the 2021-2023 period which outlines in more detail the key priorities for the next three years and how we will deliver meaningful outcomes for Irish citizens, at home and abroad, and how we will use and grow our influence around the world.