My Department has six high level goals, which are set out in our current strategy statement. They are to work to achieve the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the sustained operation of all its institutions, promoting co-operation, mutual understanding and respect between both traditions on the island, between North and South in Ireland and between these islands. The second goal is to pursue Ireland's foreign policy in accordance with the ideals enshrined in the Constitution and in conformity with the principles of the United Nations Charter, through the development of our bilateral relations with other states and our active and principled participation in international organisations. The third goal is to promote and protect Ireland's interests at the heart of the European Union as it enlarges and develops, including at the convention and subsequent IGC on the Future of Europe, while ensuring an efficient and effective EU Presidency in 2004 during which the historic enlargement of the European Union is due to take place.
The fourth goal is to promote Ireland's trade, investment and other interests, including its culture, in close co-operation with other Departments, State agencies and the private sector, ensuring that the State's network of diplomatic and consular missions adds real value to this task. The fifth goal is to make a substantial and effective contribution to lasting poverty reduction and sustainable growth in developing countries through the policy and programmes of Ireland Aid, and by working for a just and stable international economic system. The sixth goal is to protect the interests of Irish citizens abroad, maintain and strengthen links with people of Irish ancestry, and provide a modern and efficient passport and consular service.
These goals reflect the priorities with regard to the main policy work areas of the Department at the time the last strategy statement was prepared. The policy areas to which these goals refer have remained my Department's main priorities throughout the period from 1997 to date.
In the intervening period, certain goals have been achieved, such as conclusion of negotiations on the EU constitution and the conduct of an effective EU Presidency in which enlargement of the EU was successfully concluded.
Other primary indications of performance in the period 1997-2004 can be judged in the successful election to and term of office for Ireland's membership of the Security Council. There are also specific and measurable indicators to show progress in the achievement of all of the goals during the period from 1997. These include developments in North-South relations, expansion of the Department's support for Irish economic efforts aboard and the response to the very significant increase in demands on our consular passport and visa service at home and abroad.
I am satisfied that the goals as listed give an adequate picture of the Departmental priorities. My Department is about to commence work on a new strategy statement in the course of which we will be reviewing the priorities for the period ahead.
