Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021
304. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline his key policy achievements in his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32718/21]
View answerSince the publication of the Programme for Government my Department has delivered against a number of the priorities and policy commitments contained therein. Earlier this year my Department published 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.
My Department is working to protect the island of Ireland from the worst effects of Brexit. 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. This is supported by the opening of our new Consulate General of Ireland for the North of England next month. Medium-term strategic exercises with both Scotland and Wales have been launched this year - Ireland Scotland Joint Bilateral Review 2021-25 and Ireland Wales Shared Statement 2021-2025.
Ireland is a committed member of the European Union and my Department has been continually working with European colleagues to assist each other during this time of crisis, and as we rebuild our economies. This work will continue and deepen throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond. Earlier this month I launched the Global Ireland: A Strategy for the Nordic Region which provides a framework for deepening our bilateral and multilateral engagement with our like-minded Nordic partners.
The Government continues to work to strengthen relations and develop alliances with all EU Member States with which we share common goals and interests. This includes the ongoing implementation of our Strategies for France and Germany. The German-Irish Joint Plan of Action, involving a number of Government Departments, was renewed in early 2021 and provides an important avenue for continued cooperation. A similar Joint Plan of Action with France is currently being drafted.
Recognising the significance of the transatlantic relationship between Ireland and the US, we are strengthening our diplomatic, cultural, and economic relationship with the US at all levels and will continue to act as a bridge in the transatlantic relationship between the EU and US. Work has continued on implementing Ireland's Strategy for the US and Canada 2019-2025 across our network of Missions in the US, ensuring a strong, coherent and visible presence for Ireland’s economic and cultural footprint.
Through our membership of the UN and the EU, Ireland actively supports the promotion of democratic values, the rule of law and multilateralism, as key principles underpinning Irish foreign policy. Ireland has continued to promote and uphold these values and principles since taking our seat as an elected member of the UN Security Council for the two year period 2021/22. Ireland has strongly supported closer cooperation between the UN and the EU, as well as other multilateral organisations, and continues to participate in initiatives of the Alliance for Multilateralism (AfM) grouping. We have also championed respect for international law, including International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law, in our engagement across the agenda of the Council. Ireland has been active in integrating the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda into work across the different country and thematic files. Ireland serves as co-chair of the UN Security Council Informal Expert Group on WPS.
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 COVID19 on the most vulnerable in the world and will, over the rest of 2021, continue this effort to support investment in public health. My Department has also supported calls for action on debt and debt treatment, where necessary, to speed up post-COVID19 recovery and to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
We are providing 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 are leading by example in protecting our oceans and emphasising climate action as a priority in our multilateral engagement. In 2021, my Department’s dedicated Climate Unit will develop a Climate Strategy for the DFA and coordinate a Climate Finance Roadmap in consultation with other Government Departments by which to double, at least, the overall percentage of Ireland’s Overseas Development Assistance that counts as climate finance.
Delivering first class consular and passport services to our citizens remains an essential priority. My Department was at the forefront of supporting Irish citizens overseas at the outbreak of the pandemic and in the assessment of travel restrictions as a key component of Government to address the impact of COVID. The Passport Office continued to deliver an essential service to citizens throughout the period of restrictions, during which they also contributed to the national contact tracing effort.
Our global diaspora remain an integral part of the wider Irish family and my Department is continuing 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 to 2025.
Continuing to overcome the challenges that the COVID19 pandemic presents to the health and well-being of our citizens remains a priority for Government. My Department has developed strong information flows across Government on global developments which have informed critical decision making. We will continue contribute to economic recovery as we move to the next phase in 2021.
Our Missions abroad are charged with promoting Ireland, identifying new markets and opportunities for Irish business, and protecting and supporting Irish citizens. We are continuing to implement the Global Ireland Strategy which includes the commitment to double our global footprint by 2025. In 2021, alongside the new Consulate General in the north of England, we are planning to open new Embassies in Morocco, the Philippines and the Ukraine.
