The Oireachtas works with other parliamentary assemblies within Europe and beyond.
Our explorable map gives an indication of the breadth of some of our recent engagements. Click on the markers for information on our international parliamentary relations.
Interparliamentary activity is about fostering good working relationships, promoting debate, creating a greater understanding on issues of mutual concern and agreeing common positions where possible.
Take a look at a list of some recent interparliamentary engagements and filter by forum if required.
Please note the list and map do not comprise an exhaustive record of interparliamentary activity.
The Oireachtas also participates in European and international parliamentary assemblies. Ireland is a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security Co-operation in Europe.
Interparliamentary forums
- North-South Interparliamentary Association
-
The North/South Inter-Parliamentary Association (NSIPA) is a forum for discussions between Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas on issues of mutual interest and concern.
- British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly
-
The British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) aims to promote co-operation between political representatives in Britain and Ireland for the benefit of the people they represent.
- Inter-Parliamentary Union
-
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the international organisation of parliaments. It is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy.
- Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
-
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is a parliamentary assembly of members of parliament from the Council of Europe's 46 member states. Plenary sessions are held in Strasbourg four times a year.
- Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly
-
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) provides a forum for parliamentary dialogue on security between the 57 OSCE member states.
Members of the Oireachtas may also join parliamentary friendship groups. These are informal cross-party groups composed of Members from both the Dáil and Seanad Éireann whose main aim is to cultivate Ireland’s bilateral relationships with other countries and their parliamentarians.
At the initiative of the Ceann Comhairle, groups have been established with links to countries in Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle‑East and Asia.