Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
401. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the commitment to forge alliances with other EU Member States with which Ireland shares common goals and interests as set out in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19138/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government makes a commitment to forge alliances with other Member States with which we share common goals and interests. This is a vital objective that is necessary in order to ensure we can advance our overall national interests within the EU and internationally.
Since the Brexit vote, Ireland has engaged in an unprecedented campaign of outreach and visits across the EU to help advance our interests and build alliances for the future. Strong and unified Member State solidarity with Ireland over Brexit was achieved in part thanks to greater investment in these relationships.
Ireland's natural allies vary by issue and we need to be able to be versatile and adaptable in building coalitions to amplify our positions. To be effective in doing so, we need to be properly engaged with all Member States.
Ireland’s Embassy network across Europe continues to be strengthened. We maintain diplomatic missions in all Member States - and have increased the size of our diplomatic teams in our Embassies in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, and the Baltics, among others.
Following Strategic Reviews of our relationships with France and Germany, we are implementing an ambitious range of actions to strengthen and deepen our ties with two countries central to the European project. We will continue that work, while seeking out further opportunities for collaboration with other member states.
Enhancing our diplomatic footprint and intensifying capital-to-capital engagement enables greater and better communication of Irish positions and priorities, and generates a better understanding in Ireland of the views from our fellow Member States.
I will continue working with colleagues and officials to strengthen our engagements and alliances across Europe - to ensure that Ireland's voice continues to help shape the European agenda in our interests.
