Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
138. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when his Department last published a White Paper on foreign policy; if he plans an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22849/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTwo core foreign policy documents inform the current strategic direction of my Department: The Global Island: Ireland's Foreign Policy for a Changing World, which was published in 2015, and A Better World: Ireland's Policy for International Development, which was published in 2019.
My Department published a White Paper on foreign policy in 1996 which was titled Challenges and Opportunities Abroad. The publication in 2015 of Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World provided an updated guiding document that has served Ireland well, providing the basis for the Government's Global Ireland strategy which was published in 2018 and which has led to the expansion of the scope and impact of Ireland’s global engagement. This Global Ireland strategy runs until 2025 and consideration will be given thereafter to future strategy policy frameworks.
Ireland's policy for international development is set out in A Better World which was published in 2019. This policy document provides the framework for Ireland’s expanding development cooperation programme and outlines Ireland’s vision of a more equal, peaceful and sustainable world.
Ireland's overall objectives remain very clear: protecting and promoting peace on our island, promoting our interests and values within the EU and ensuring they are reflected in EU policies, providing a first class consular and passport service to our citizens, supporting our diaspora communities, active and principled membership of the UN and other international fora, delivering a high-quality development programme, a strategic approach to public diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and soft power on a whole-of-Government basis and expanding Ireland’s presence and influence abroad, to underpin prosperity and security at home.
