Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
20. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he will be taking to strengthen his Department's effectiveness in the new Statement of Strategy recently issued by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28101/23]
View answer21. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he will be taking to serve communities under his Department's new Statement of Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28102/23]
View answer41. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he will be taking to support peace and reconciliation at home under his Department's new Statement of Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28095/23]
View answer48. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he will be taking to strengthen and protect the global multilateral system under his Department's new Statement of Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28099/23]
View answer66. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he will be taking to enhance Ireland's global engagement and prosperity under his Department's new Statement of Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28100/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 21, 41, 48 and 66 together.
Following consideration by Government, I was pleased to launch a new Statement of Strategy 2023-25 on 1 June. The Statement focuses on how my Department implements the commitments assigned to us in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future and how we will meet the many international challenges that Ireland and the global community is currently facing.
The preparation of the Statement of Strategy was informed by the core foreign policy statements The Global Island: Ireland's Foreign Policy for a Changing World and A Better World: Ireland’s Policy for International Development and involved a comprehensive process of internal and external consultation.
The broad strategic vision of my Department remains very clear: protecting and promoting peace on our island, providing a first class Consular and Passport Service to our citizens, supporting our diaspora communities, active and principled membership of the UN, the EU and other international fora, delivering a high-quality development programme, and expanding Ireland’s presence and influence abroad, to underpin prosperity and security at home.
However, as this Statement recognises, we are operating in a significantly changed global context which presents us with complex challenges, internationally and domestically. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now into its second year, has had devastating consequences for the people of Ukraine, and has upended peace and stability in our European neighbourhood. The Statement outlines our high level goals, how we intend to achieve them and the outcomes to be delivered.
Against this complex geopolitical backdrop, the Strategy identifies six high-level goals to guide my Department’s work; five of these relate to policy and operational work, and the final goal focuses on internal efforts to improve the Department’s effectiveness and efficiency.
The first goal, “Supporting peace and reconciliation” is committed to unlocking the potential of the Good Friday Agreement, contributing to the Shared Island initiative and strengthening our bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom. Securing the full and effective operation of all three strands of the Good Friday Agreement is a key priority for me and for the Government and I undertake consistent engagement with the British Government, the political parties in Northern Ireland and others, to advance this goal. My Department operates the Reconciliation Fund, which supports effort to advance “deeper reconciliation between people and traditions within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland, North and South, and between these islands.” In addition, this year I am making the first grants under the new Shared Island Civil Society Fund to promote practical North South cooperation and engagement across a range of sectors and themes, consistent with the objectives and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement.
The second goal, “Serving our communities” emphasises the importance of supporting our citizens at home and abroad, including through the delivery of a first class Passport Service and Consular Service, and strengthening our engagement with Irish diaspora communities, notably under the framework of the Diaspora Strategy, and through the Emigrant Support Programme. As part of this goal, we will also deliver a secure and timely passport service, provide clear and up-to date travel advice for citizens travelling abroad, and strengthen our crisis management system
The third goal, “Driving the European Agenda” focuses on efforts to shape EU policies and ambitions to reflect Ireland’s interests and values and contribute to deepening cooperation with our European partners. Our membership of the EU has been absolutely central to our ability to manage recent challenges and remains of fundamental importance to the future progress of our country. Leading preparations for Ireland’s next EU Presidency in 2026 will be a key pillar of this work.
The fourth goal “Strengthening and protecting the global multilateral system” highlights the critical importance of upholding the rules-based international order, with the UN Charter at its heart, that underpins Ireland’s security, and promotes stability, justice, equality and sustainable development. It focuses on upholding and strengthening the rule of law, contributing to sustainable development internationally, and promoting conflict resolution and prevention. It will largely be carried out in multilateral fora such as the UN, EU, and Council of Europe, and through our international development programme.
The fifth goal “Enhancing Ireland’s global engagement and prosperity” commits to strengthening and deepening Ireland’s prosperity, influence and international reputation, particularly through the implementation of the Global Ireland Strategy and regional strategies, working with key international partners including the United States, and further deepening cooperation with all Team Ireland partners to implement the Trade and Investment Strategy.
The sixth and final goal “Strengthening DFA’s Effectiveness” is internally focussed on deepening my Department’s capability and capacity to deliver on our goals and objectives. This will largely be managed through the effective leadership of the Management Board, as well as various corporate strategies, including in relation to human resources, security and corporate compliance, and digital transformation.
