The Global Island Ireland's Foreign Policy for a Changing World - RIALTAS NA hÉIREANN
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The Global Island
Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World
RIALTAS NA hÉIREANN
GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND
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1
Foreword
Ireland’s last major statement our Ambassadors and comprising As we approach the centenary of the
of foreign policy priorities was representatives of our Embassies and Easter Rising in 2016, it is timely to take
published almost 20 years ago, in State Agencies. Annual Local Market stock of our place in the world and
the 1996 White Paper Challenges Plans have assisted with our healthy the interests and values we wish to
and Opportunities Abroad. In the export market, which has grown every promote through our foreign policy.
intervening years, we have witnessed year since 2011.
rapid and significant change – shifting This policy review is the product of a
patterns of power and influence, This enhanced focus on trade and review initiated by my predecessor as
conflicts, wars and terrorism, new economic recovery is part of the broad Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade,
technologies facilitating instantaneous role of the Department of Foreign Eamon Gilmore T.D., and has involved
communication across the world and Affairs and Trade. Today, our security, consultation across Government,
a growing interdependence between our prosperity and the wellbeing of with members of the Oireachtas,
economies, societies and people. our people are connected to the wider with civil society and with members
world as never before. In the world of the public.
In 2008, Ireland experienced of 2015, nothing is entirely foreign or
an unprecedented economic wholly domestic. Written in clear and accessible
collapse. The crash, when it came, language, it offers a progressive and
brought home very powerfully This means that our foreign policy is forward-looking vision of Ireland’s
our vulnerabilities as a small open more important to us now than at any foreign policy and our place in the
economy but also our strengths – as time in our history. world. It lays down the goals and key
a longstanding and fully engaged areas of focus for the Government’s
member of the European Union, a Through it, we safeguard our peace, global engagement to safeguard a
significant factor in the stabilisation security and economic prosperity, secure and prosperous future for the
of our national finances and in our and promote reconciliation and Irish people, and to make a distinctive
burgeoning economic recovery. cooperation at home. At the core of this and principled contribution to the
foreign policy are the protection of our collective international effort to build a
The Department of Foreign Affairs and citizens and the promotion of our better world.
Trade has played an important role in values abroad.
implementing this Government’s plan This is a vision of which Irish people
to turn the Irish economy around. In Our foreign policy is also a statement can be proud. I know too, that as
2011, the Department was allocated about us as a people. We have a proud a resilient people with our own
responsibility for Trade, following tradition of principled engagement global story, we have the capability
which the Export Trade Council was on issues such as development, UN and the confidence to meet these
established to co-ordinate across all peacekeeping, disarmament and challenges together.
Government Departments and State human rights. This is a central part
agencies involved in the promotion of our foreign policy. A secure and
and development of trade, tourism prosperous Ireland is better placed
and investment. Overseas, Local to make its voice heard in support of Charles Flanagan T.D.
Market Teams have been established our values. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
in 27 priority markets; chaired by
2
Contents
Foreword 1
Embracing a Changing World 4
Our People 12 Our Values 26 Our Prosperity 44
Reconciliation and Cooperation A Secure World 28 Driving Economic Growth 45
in Ireland 13
A Just World 34 Removing Barriers to Trade,
Serving our People Abroad 16 Investment and Mobility 47
A Fairer World 37
Connecting with the Ensuring a Sustainable and
Global Irish Family 22 A Sustainable World 42 Competitive Tax Regime 49
Sharing our Culture 25 Deepening Engagement with
Priority and High Potential Markets 51
Making the Most of our
Competitive Advantages 58
3
Our Place Our Influence 72
in Europe 62
Engaging at the Heart of Europe 63 An Accountable Foreign Policy 74
Responding to An Open Approach to
Critical Challenges 64 Foreign Policy 75
Our EU Priorities 66 The Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade 78
Building Alliances and
Influencing Outcomes 66
A Strong European Voice
in the World 69
Embracing a Changing World
EMBRACING A CHANGING WORLD 5
The world is no solutions, and in how the world looks
and works. As a small country with
Ireland. It is also an increasingly
important global actor in its own right.
longer foreign one of the most globalised economies Our membership of the EU underpins
A
in the world, we are profoundly our position and role in the world and
lthough an island, Ireland influenced by these changes. how we conduct our foreign policy.
is connected to the global
community in ways that While Europe, North America and the Economic power is shifting. Despite the
would have seemed fanciful only western world more generally continue recent financial crisis, global economic
a generation ago. We connect to enjoy prosperity, security and global output is projected to double by 2030,
instantaneously with people and influence, the rise in prominence with growing demand for food, energy
events around the globe. Our of countries in the East and South and natural resources. Much of this
people and our outlook are global, is transforming the way the global growth will be in emerging economies
influencing and influenced by this system works. Emerging powers are in Asia, Africa and Latin America. By
contact. Our culture shapes and is playing a role of growing importance 2030, the Organisation for Economic
shaped by these connections. Our on the world stage, increasingly active Cooperation and Development (OECD)
economy is interwoven with that of on a wide range of issues. projects that China and India together
the rest of the world. will account for 35% of global Gross
Regional organisations are also playing Domestic Product (GDP), while OECD
Our world is changing faster than an ever more important role. The most countries’ share will fall by more
we think. This change can be seen in integrated, successful and influential than 10%.
shifting balances of economic and of these is the European Union, which
political influence, in a widening range has profoundly transformed relations
of global challenges that require global between European states, including
6 EMBRACING A CHANGING WORLD
The world population is growing. A CHANGING WORLD ECONOMY, 2010-2030
The UN estimates it will be almost 8.5
billion by 2030, a rise of 22% since 2010, Global GDP is taken as a sum of GDP for 34 OECD countries and 8 non‑OECD countries
with most of this growth in emerging
economies and developing regions,
which are projected to account for 7.1
India 6%
billion people by 2030. In the same
United States 23%
year, it is forecast that countries of the Japan 7%
European Union will represent about 2011 Euro area 17%
6% of the world’s population, down Other OECD 18%
Other non OECD 12%
from 8.9% in 1990.
China 17%
The world is also ageing and becoming
more urban. Already, more than
half the world’s population lives in
urban areas and, by 2030, the OECD India 11%
United States 18%
projects that 60% will do so. The global
Japan 4%
population aged over sixty years is
2030 Euro area 12%
projected to almost double to 1.4 Other OECD 15%
billion by 2030, with 70% of this group Other non OECD 12%
China 28%
concentrated in developing regions.
The accelerating pace of technological
innovation is also reshaping our Source: OECD Economic Policy Paper No.3 Looking to 2060: Long-term global growth prospects, 2012
world. It took seventy-five years for
the telephone to reach fifty million
users, but only thirty-eight years for
A GROWING GLOBAL MIDDLE CLASS, 2010-2030
radio, thirteen years for television,
and just four years for the internet.
There are almost three billion internet 3500
Millions
users today, two-thirds in developing
countries. This growth is largely being
3000
driven by mobile broadband, which
grew over 40% in Africa in the period
2011-2014. Simultaneously, the number 2500
of mobile phone subscriptions is
approaching the number of people 2000
on earth, over half of which are in the
Asia-Pacific region alone.
1500
Global economic development is
lifting millions out of poverty, while 1000
increasing prosperity is changing
consumption patterns, giving rise to
500
demand for education, travel, food and
consumer goods and services. Rising
GDP is contributing to a growing 0
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
global middle class, which is projected
to reach 4.9 billion by 2030, up from North America Europe Central & South America
1.8 billion in 2009. By 2030, Asia alone Asia Pacific Sub-Saharan Africa MIddle East & North Africa
is expected to account for 66% of the
global middle class. An expanding Source: OECD Working Paper No. 285 The Emerging Middle Class in Developing Countries (2010)
global economy offers opportunities
EMBRACING A CHANGING WORLD 7
pose significant challenges across the
globe, and for low-lying countries and
small island states in particular.
The range, complexity and cross-
cutting nature of global challenges
demand a coordinated approach at
both national and international levels.
This requires a functioning system
of global governance capable of
developing and upholding a rules-
based international system.
The structures of international
governance: the UN, the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) and others are
being increasingly supplemented by
groups of countries cooperating to
shape the global agenda, in formats
such as the G7/8 and G20. But the
consensus which has underpinned and
sustained these structures is under
pressure. Challenges to the rules-
based international order can arise
unexpectedly and even in our own
neighbourhood, as the crisis in Ukraine
has shown.
Notwithstanding instability in Europe’s
neighbourhood, Ireland is fortunate in
its geopolitical location, surrounded
by friends and partners. But
developments farther afield can also
for exports of goods and services, but and digital technology to threaten quickly and directly impact our shores,
also brings increased competition for human security and the stability of as evidenced by the volcanic ash cloud
markets, jobs and investment. critical infrastructure. in 2010, the global financial crisis or the
Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Despite this progress, the world As more of the world population
remains marked by inequality and comes online, the transformative If we want the best future for our
unacceptable levels of poverty. power of the internet can educate, people, we must work constructively
inform and innovate but it can with new and existing partners
It is also becoming more volatile and also be used for criminal or hostile and reflect constantly on how, as a
more uncertain. Managing risks as well purposes. Addressing issues of internet small country, we can best influence
as opportunities is an essential task of governance, cyber-security and developments in our favour.
our foreign policy. maintaining an open, free and secure
cyberspace are critically important for Ireland’s foreign policy is the
Fragile states and intrastate violence our future. mechanism through which we do this.
are an increasing source of insecurity,
affecting human rights, the rule of Climate change is one of the biggest Our relations are conducted through
law and development. Transnational global challenges of this century. Global a global network of embassies,
organised crime and terrorist warming and related extreme weather consulates and State agency offices in
organisations are able to capitalise on events, flooding and rising sea-levels 96 locations managing relations with
a globalised economy, communications 178 countries.
8 EMBRACING A CHANGING WORLD
AN AGEING WORLD, 2010–2030
6,000,000
834,814
5,000,000
424,614
4,000,000
0-59 years 0-59 years
2010 2030
60+ years 60+ years
3,000,000
2,000,000
103,158
54,981 162,063 212,883 119,676
1,000,000
58,579
104,590
64,615
0
1,031,084 1,634,366 4,202,099 4,934,163 740,3308 736,364 596,191 716,671 346,501 403,373
Africa Asia Europe Latin America North
Pacific* and the America
Caribbean
Source: UNDESA World Population Prospects: 2012 Revision
Our direct, bilateral relations are attractive location for investment and together, we are better able to navigate
only part of a more complex regional tourism and a source of high quality a fast-changing world, and to promote
and international framework within goods and services. the interests and values we share with
which we operate. Our place in the our fellow member states.
world is underpinned by a number Our influence is amplified and
of interests, including a strong and significantly strengthened by our We have also used our membership of
effective European Union; a world membership of the European the United Nations to project our values
system based on the rule of law with Union and our participation in the which, shaped by our history, include a
strong global institutions; and an open, United Nations. strong commitment to international
free and rules-based global economy. peace and stability; to human rights,
Promoting these interests is part of The European Union is fundamental equality and the rule of law; and to
our foreign policy. to Ireland’s future. In our four decades solidarity with those suffering from
of membership, it has assisted social poverty, hunger and disadvantage. We
As a result of the recent economic and economic transformation in have a distinguished record of service
crisis, greater emphasis has been Ireland and helped us grow and in UN peacekeeping and in exercising
placed on promoting economic prosper as a people. As we come leadership responsibilities at the UN, in
growth and rebuilding Ireland’s through a challenging economic and particular on development, disarmament
reputation as part of our international financial crisis, the EU remains central and non-proliferation issues. And we are
engagement. This has required a to our long-term economic stability one of the best known advocates at the
whole-of-Government approach driven and growth. UN for solutions to problems of conflict,
by the international engagement of all injustice and inequality.
members of Government, and reflected The EU, above all through its
and supported in the work of Ireland’s progressive enlargement, has Our contribution at the UN is
embassies and agencies on the ground. reshaped our continent and its wider distinctive and highly respected. It
This will continue as Ireland maintains neighbourhood, extending a zone has enabled us to exercise greater
a focus on positioning itself as a of peace and stability challenged by influence in international relations.
sustainable, competitive economy, an developments on its borders. By actingEMBRACING A CHANGING WORLD 9
THIS REVIEW CONSIDERS THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IRELAND UNDER FIVE CLOSELY LINKED THEMES:
The first, Our People, takes stock of the The third, Our Prosperity, considers the The fifth and final theme,
ongoing work in pursuit of peace and global economic background to the Our Influence, considers how Ireland
reconciliation on the island of Ireland; ongoing efforts in support of recovery, can best leverage the resources
the provision of support for Irish growth and job creation, in particular available to secure the maximum
citizens travelling, living and working through trade, tourism, education, benefit for the Irish people from
abroad; the growing engagement with investment and the enhancement of Ireland’s international engagement.
the Irish diaspora; and the promotion Ireland’s reputation.
of Irish culture abroad.
The second, Our Values, sets out The fourth theme, Our Place in Europe,
Ireland’s support for a fairer, more just, considers the fundamental importance
more secure and more sustainable for Ireland in all of the foregoing areas
world through our development of our membership of the EU and how
programme, human rights policies, the Government engages across the
peacekeeping, disarmament and broad agenda of EU decision-making
security policies and growing to safeguard and promote the interests
engagement with emerging global of Ireland and to shape the EU and its
issues including climate change. global engagement.
It also considers the role of the
European Union and United Nations All Government Departments are
in amplifying Ireland’s voice and external actors, reflecting the growing
extending its influence. extent to which domestic and external
policy making are connected. This is
particularly so in an EU context, but
also at the UN and other global and
regional institutions, and in bilateral
relations with other countries.10
80
Diplomatic &
Consular Offices
Connecting Ireland
with the World:
The Government’s Global Network
Location of Diplomatic or Consular Office Locations with a State Agency office
Africa Europe
Abuja Amsterdam
Addis Ababa Ankara
Dar es Salaam Athens
Freetown Berlin
Johannesburg Berne
Kampala Bratislava
Lilongwe Brussels Paris
Lusaka European Union, Brussels OECD, Paris
Maputo Partnership for Peace, Brussels Prague
Nairobi Bucharest Riga
Pretoria Budapest Rome
Copenhagen Sofia
Asia Pacific Dusseldorf Stockholm
Bangalore Edinburgh Council of Europe, Strasbourg The Americas
Bangkok Frankfurt Tallinn Atlanta
Beijing United Nations, Geneva Valletta Austin
Canberra Glasgow Vienna Boston
Hanoi The Hague OSCE, Vienna Brasilia
Hong Kong Helsinki Vilnius Buenos Aires
Jakarta The Holy See Warsaw Chicago
Kuala Lumpur Istanbul Zagreb Mexico
Mumbai Lisbon New York
New Delhi Ljubljana Middle East and North Africa United Nations, New York
Perth London Abu Dhabi North California
Seoul Luxembourg Cairo Ottawa
Shanghai Madrid Doha San Francisco
Shenzhen Milan Dubai South California
Singapore Moscow Ramallah Sao Paulo
Sydney Nicosia Riyadh Toronto
Tokyo Oslo Tel Aviv Washington11 State Agency 42 offices in locations
Our People
OUR PEOPLE 13
A
rticle 2 of the Constitution
defines the Irish nation by
reference to its people, and
records the special affinity of the Irish
nation with people of Irish ancestry
living abroad who share its cultural
identity and heritage
Partnership,
Reconciliation
and Cooperation President Higgins with Queen Elizabeth, First Minister Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister
in Ireland
Martin McGuinness and Secretary of State Villiers during the State Visit to Britain in April 2014.
Photo: Fennell Photography
Our peace process has transformed the objectives, provides an opportunity Through its Reconciliation Fund,
lives of people throughout the island of for a new beginning for partnership the Department of Foreign Affairs
Ireland for the better. government in Northern Ireland. The and Trade provides annual funding
Agreement itself covers a broad range of €2.7 million to some 150
The Good Friday Agreement and of political, social and economic issues. community, voluntary and civil society
succeeding Agreements have opened organisations. A new strategy for the
up new possibilities and opportunities It sets out a plan for financial and Fund was published in June 2014 and
for people, North and South, exerting budgetary reform. It proposes a way will be reviewed within three years.
a positive influence on our society, forward on flags, identity, culture and
our economy and our international tradition through the establishment Marking significant events in the
reputation. Other parts of the world of a commission. It envisages the history of our island on an inclusive
experiencing conflict look to Ireland for devolution of responsibility for parades and respectful basis can contribute to
ideas and inspiration. to the Northern Ireland Assembly. fostering reconciliation and greater
It establishes a programme of understanding. In commemorating the
While huge progress has been made, institutional reform at Stormont and Decade of Centenaries, opportunities
a recent and authoritative assessment progresses a number of outstanding will arise to explore the shared and
of the peace process made for sobering aspects of prior Agreements. Very divided histories of these islands
reading; “Northern Ireland remains significantly, it establishes a new in a mutually sympathetic way.
a very deeply divided society” where comprehensive framework for dealing The centenary of the Easter Rising
a “fault line runs through education, with the corrosive legacy of the Past. in 2016 will be the centre-piece of
housing and many other aspects of the Government’s commemorative
daily life”*. There are therefore no Our focus in the period ahead will programme. It will have a particular
grounds for complacency and work be the effective and expeditious significance for North South and
to achieve true reconciliation and implementation of the Stormont Irish‑British relations.
to unlock the social and economic House Agreement. Implementation
potential that would flow from that of the Agreement is likely to be as It will be important to engage the
will remain a priority objective of challenging as its negotiation. In this political leaders of the future who
the Government. regard, British and Irish Government will have to carry this work forward.
engagement in the review and The North South Inter-Parliamentary
The Stormont House Agreement of 23 monitoring process will be vital. Association, established in 2012,
December 2014, with reconciliation promotes cooperation between
and economic renewal as its twin The Government’s commitment members of the Houses of the
to partnership and reconciliation Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland
will continue to be advanced at a Assembly and will be a very important
political level and also through direct framework for this work.
* Northern Ireland Peace Monitoring Report No.3,
March 2014, by Dr. Paul Nolan, published by the engagement at community level across
Northern Ireland Community Relations Council Northern Ireland.14 OUR PEOPLE
February 2014, accompanied by
ministers from Dublin, Belfast and
London. We will build on the success
of this visit, involving the development
agencies in both parts of the island,
to pursue opportunities in other
emerging markets and will work
together to support efforts to bring the
Rugby World Cup to Ireland in 2023.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade advances work on these issues,
including through its offices within
the British Irish Intergovernmental
Secretariat in Belfast and through the
Members of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Dublin in March 2014 North South Ministerial Council Joint
Secretariat in Armagh. In July 2014,
The continuing support and Executive is seconded to Ireland’s Seán Sherlock TD was the first Minister
engagement of the US administration, Permanent Representation to the EU of State appointed with responsibility
the European Union and other in Brussels. for North South Cooperation.
partners, as well as the Irish
diaspora for the ongoing process Regular meetings of the North The Irish-British relationship has been
of reconciliation has been, and will South Ministerial Council promote both a catalyst for positive change in
remain, critically important. US cooperation in a range of areas. In six Northern Ireland and a beneficiary
involvement at the highest level of the agreed North South sectors, of that change. The State Visit by
remains a fundamental support for co-operation is taken forward by President Michael D. Higgins to the
the political institutions in Northern Implementation Bodies operating on United Kingdom in 2014, and the State
Ireland, while the EU Peace Programme an all-island basis, while in other areas Visit to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth in
provides an important underpinning of of cooperation, common policies and 2011, demonstrated that relations have
the long-term work of reconciliation. approaches are agreed in the Council. never been better.
In the tourism sector, the island of
The Government enjoys a close and Ireland is promoted abroad by Tourism The Irish in Britain contribute to the
comprehensive political relationship Ireland. As we look forward, there must strength and vitality of relations. Up to
with the Northern Ireland Executive. be a growing emphasis on working in one-in-four people in Britain has Irish
North South relations have been placed partnership with the Northern Ireland heritage. There is virtually no aspect
increasingly on a sound and forward- Executive to benefit from international of British civic or political life that has
looking basis, with a shared interest opportunities to boost competitiveness not been enriched by contributions
in cooperating to support economic and to attract jobs and visitors from the Irish community. There are
growth, bringing real, tangible mutual to Ireland. 50,000 Irish-born directors of British
benefits to people across the island. companies, for example, and a network
There are for instance opportunities of Irish societies link this vibrant
Cooperation has focused on putting to develop trade links with emerging community to Ireland.
in place policies to promote growth markets on an all-island basis. By
in exports and foreign investment; working together we can scale-up to A Joint Statement by Taoiseach, Enda
working together on upgrading target more effectively opportunities Kenny, and Prime Minister, David
services; creating jobs and improving for our exports, for our education Cameron, in 2012 set out a framework
young people’s skills. There is also sector and for our tourism industry. for cooperation between Ireland and
agreement to optimise the use of Ireland’s embassy network is assisting the UK. An annual summit reviews
public money through the most trade missions and companies from progress and oversees cooperation
effective delivery of services to the both parts of the island. The first joint in a wide range of areas, supported
public. There is cooperation in an EU trade mission involving companies by a unique structure of meetings
context on a wide range of issues and from Ireland, North and South, and of administrative heads of Irish and
an official from the Northern Ireland from Britain visited Singapore in British Government Departments.OUR PEOPLE 15
Our Place in Europe, but it also has
wide-ranging implications for our
continuing political relations within
Northern Ireland, North South
cooperation and political and economic
relations between Ireland and Britain.
Managing these issues and their
impact will be a major priority in the
coming years.
Island of Ireland Peace Park, Belgium, where Minister Seán Sherlock delivering a TEDx talk
69,974 killed, wounded or missing Irish WWI in Belfast
soldiers are remembered
Close relations with the devolved Discussions on enhanced devolution
administrations, ensure that Irish for Scotland and on political changes
My Job:
interests are advanced and links across the UK will have implications
fostered with Scotland and Wales for the devolved administration in
Margaret Stanley
while the British-Irish Council with Northern Ireland. As debate gets under
Deputy Joint Secretary, North South
its Secretariat in Edinburgh supports way, we will need to maintain contact
Ministerial Council, Armagh
wider regional cooperation in a with the British government and with
growing range of areas. all administrations. Our objective is to I work closely with both Irish and
ensure that, whatever the outcome of Northern Irish civil servants to
Despite these positive developments, this process, our relations with all parts ensure the smooth running of the
there are issues which will unfold in of the UK continue to flourish. North South Ministerial Council
the coming years which, at minimum, (NSMC), Armagh, established as a
will change the way business is carried The possibility of a change in Britain’s part of the Good Friday Agreement.
out with our nearest neighbour, and relationship with the EU has strategic It works on matters of mutual
which could have a significant impact consequences for Ireland, which are interest on an all-island and cross-
on Ireland. addressed further in the chapter border basis.
Our focus is on areas that can assist
economic recovery, job creation, the
best use of public funds and the
most effective delivery of services
for citizens across the island. As a
separate part of my work, I engage
in outreach amongst the business,
community and non-governmental
sectors in Northern Ireland with the
aim of promoting cooperation for
mutual benefit.
Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, pictured at Stormont with Northern Ireland First
Minister, Peter Robinson, and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness16 OUR PEOPLE
Serving our
People Abroad
Consular Assistance
Irish people are travelling more
frequently, for shorter periods, to more
diverse locations with over six million
visits abroad in 2013. This is a three-
fold increase over two decades and My Job
the number will continue to rise. With
more people travelling for business or Brendan Maloney
More is being done to communicate
leisure to less secure parts of the world, Duty Officer, Dublin
with our citizens travelling abroad
there is growing demand for advice
in a clear and timely fashion, in In addition to my current role in the
and assistance.
particular through increased use of Office of the Secretary General, I also
technology and social media. An online participate in the Departmental
The Department of Foreign Affairs and
registration service allows travellers Duty Officer rota which deals with
Trade dealt with tens of thousands of
to register their contact details prior emergencies abroad that arise
requests for assistance in 2014, this
to travel, so that contact can be made overnight or at the weekend. Most
included over 1,650 serious consular
in the event of an emergency or are requests for consular assistance,
emergencies and cases of Irish people
crisis situation. Travel information with calls from all over the world.
injured, hospitalised or dying abroad.
and advice are regularly updated on
Each situation is different. As the
Department and embassy websites
In an uncertain and often unstable first point of contact, I may be
and our travel advice Twitter feed.
global environment, complex required to deal with a medical
emergencies can affect Irish citizens emergency abroad (accidents, injury,
As Irish citizens are travelling at a
in several places at one time, requiring illness, or death), cases where Irish
younger age, travel advice needs to be
a very high level of preparedness citizens are arrested or detained
more accessible to these age groups
and flexibility. For example, in 2011 abroad (or who are victims of crime,
to create greater awareness and
Ireland mounted simultaneous stolen passports, etc), reports of
understanding of the scope, limits and
consular responses to the Christchurch missing persons and child abduction
extent of consular assistance.
earthquake in New Zealand, the cases. Successful management of a
earthquake and tsunami in Japan and case involves swift, effective liaison
A new and more complex consular
evacuated around 400 Irish citizens with the relevant Irish embassy,
landscape is emerging, seen in the
from Libya. consulate or honorary consul and
growth in international parental child
with the appropriate authorities in
abduction, increasing numbers of
A stand-by Consular Crisis Centre in Ireland, such as An Garda Síochána.
dual-citizens beyond the traditional
Dublin can be staffed and activated in
diaspora countries, and new
an emergency. Flexible arrangements
challenges such as cases involving
with EU partners can assist in
forced marriage.
attending to consular needs in a more
responsive and coordinated manner,
@dfatravel
for example working closely with a
number of EU partners on the 2011
Libya evacuation, with the Dutch in
Syria and with the British in West
Africa in response to the Ebola crisis.OUR PEOPLE 17
SERVING OUR PEOPLE ABROAD
• The peace process has transformed the lives of • We made 6.3 million visits abroad in 2013, up 300%
people throughout the island of Ireland; in 20 years;
• Supporting the provisions of the Good Friday • 631,000 passports were issued in 2013, 14% to Irish
Agreement is a priority; citizens living abroad;
• We are committed to promoting an all-island • Travel advice is regularly updated on Department
approach across all areas of government; and embassy websites and twitter feeds;
• Cooperation in support of reconciliation, prosperity • With more people travelling the number of requests
and a shared perspective on Northern Ireland is at for emergency assistance to our embassies and
the heart of the Irish-British relationship; consulates has risen;
• The Reconciliation Fund provides annual funding for • Our embassies deal with over 800,000 consular,
community, voluntary and civil society organisations. passport and visa queries annually.
Promoting Partnership,
Serving our People
Reconciliation and
Abroad
Cooperation
Connecting with the
Sharing our Culture
Global Irish Family
• An estimated 70 million people claim Irish descent; • Our culture is a bridge between our island, the
• Working with the Irish diaspora is a priority global Irish family and the world;
for Government; • Almost two thirds of tourists visit because of our
• The overseas Irish are a diverse group with diverse history and culture;
needs and interests; • We work with Culture Ireland to promote Irish
• The Emigrant Support Programme has provided culture and artists;
€114.6 million to Irish community projects • St Patrick’s Day is a unique opportunity to showcase
worldwide since 2004; Ireland;
• Projects include support for new immigrants, • We are working to support interest in the Irish
isolated people and business networks; language around the world.
• The diverse population of our island offers new
opportunities to strengthen our outreach.18 OUR PEOPLE
CONSULAR SERVICES
800,000
consular, passport and visa queries
handled annually by embassies
and consulates
My Job
Sharifah Shahabudin
60,000
Over Consular assistance and visas,
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
I work on the embassy consular
assistance desk, helping Irish
documents authenticated in 2014 people in difficulty in Malaysia and
Thailand. The large number of Irish
visitors to Thailand especially means
that this embassy is one of our
busiest consular posts. I assist people
3,000
Over and families when Irish citizens
die abroad, become seriously ill or
injured, are arrested or imprisoned,
or encounter other difficulties. This
involves liaising with families and
letters of freedom to Irish citizens
friends, the consular assistance unit
getting married or entering into civil in Dublin, and the authorities here.
partnerships abroad in 2014
I am also visa officer. We processed
around 1,450 visa applications
in 2013 which requires attention
to detail, as well as liaising with
Assistance provided to
1,650
applicants, embassy staff, and
the Irish National Immigration
Service. People visiting Ireland from
abroad, especially for tourism, bring
considerable revenue to Ireland
Irish citizens following serious consular so it is important to provide a
emergencies abroad in 2014 professional and efficient visa service.OUR PEOPLE 19
The Emigrant Flame, Wexford Group of senior Irish emigrants visiting Ireland
Emigrant Support Republic of Korea, which contribute to As a generation of emigrants reach
bilateral relations while offering short the end of their working lives, it will
A key priority is immigration reform term work rights to young Irish citizens. be increasingly important to respond
in the United States, which has to their needs - particularly those of
been and will continue to be a An improved arrangement for the more advanced age - through welfare
focus for Government. It will be Working Holiday Visa programme with and social network support and
important to maximise the benefit to Canada has seen over 10,000 young assistance in accessing social services
undocumented Irish of the measures Irish granted permission to work there in the host country. More than €114
announced by President Barack Obama in 2014. million has been provided through
in November 2014. Further legislative the Emigrant Support Programme to
action in the US Congress will be The embassy network has been Irish community projects worldwide
needed so as to ensure an eventual expanded and augmented in the US, since 2004. This programme has been
resolution for all undocumented Irish Asia and Australia and will need to be sustained through the financial crisis
in the US as well as provision of a legal kept under review in light of consular and its reach extended to support a
path for future Irish immigration. needs. This is supported by a network of more diverse and widely dispersed
This would help ensure people-to- over 100 Honorary Consuls worldwide emigrant community. Most of this has
people ties between Ireland and who provide a range of services in gone to support the most vulnerable
the US continue to be renewed into locations where we do not have an emigrants and this must remain
future generations. embassy or consulate. This network has the case.
been recently renewed and expanded,
Many new emigrants, including those for example, to help address the needs Funding support will need to be
who have left Ireland since 2008, are of Irish citizens in Western Australia and continuously reviewed to ensure it
going beyond traditional centres of Canada. Our Honorary Consuls provide meets these changing needs. Funding
emigration. Western Australia and an excellent service, at minimum is being expanded to groups providing
Western Canada in particular have cost to the taxpayer. The network has services to Irish people recently arrived
seen increased numbers. tremendous potential which will need in destinations such as Australia and
to be progressively developed. Canada. Assistance is being directed
The Government is working to to younger Irish people suffering from
address access issues and ensure As our economy grows, many of our emotional, mental health and drug and
that Irish people who wish to pursue younger emigrants will wish to return alcohol misuse issues. New networks
opportunities abroad can do so, for home. We need to provide economic are being supported, for example the
example, utilising the J1 programme opportunities for them and we need to Ireland Network groups in many US
with the United States and working encourage them to bring their talents cities, while stronger ties are being
holiday visa agreements with Australia, and experience back to contribute to created through business networks
Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and the Irish life. and education exchanges.20 OUR PEOPLE
Passport Services
As the number of people travelling has
increased, so has demand for passports.
The Passport Service delivered 629,446
passports in 2014. The total number
of passports issued has increased
by 10% over the last five years while
staff reductions of 10% have also
taken place.
This process has been accompanied by
significant gains in customer service.
The passport renewal process has been
simplified with an online passport The Cork Passport Office
renewal reminder service (www.dfa.ie).
Waiting times have been reduced and
queues virtually eliminated. A facility
is available to track the application The Passport Office in Cork
status with weekly updates on
performance against targets. New
arrangements have been put in place
to assist those required to travel
because of an emergency.
An award-winning new passport booklet was
introduced in 2013, combining the latest security
technology with imagery representing our culture,
history and people
Over
5,500
people were registered
for Irish citizenship
by Foreign Birth
Registration
in 2014OUR PEOPLE 21
PASSPORTS
The Irish passport has a high reputation worldwide, ranked
in the top ten of passports whose citizens are least-affected
by visa restrictions. An award-winning new passport booklet
was introduced in 2013, incorporating security features
629,446 which offer advanced protections against fraud. These
passports issued in 2014 features contribute to the safety of citizens when travelling
and the ease with which they pass through immigration
controls abroad.
However, a programme of ongoing investment and
UP 28% continued process improvement is required to combat
increasingly sophisticated threats to the service and to
since 2000
mitigate risks of passport fraud. Tackling this challenge will
require sustained effort and investment over the coming
years, backed by ongoing efficiency gains.
60,000 The next phase of improvements should focus on enhancing
more passports issued the protections in the passport process while balancing
in 2014 than 2009 this with the need to improve customer service to citizens,
reducing the administrative burden for applicants and
responding to a growing volume of telephone queries.
In keeping with the Government commitment to e-services
50% for citizens, a growing range of consular, passport
issued April – July and citizenship services should be provided online.
All applications for Foreign Birth Registration and letters
of freedom, which some countries require when Irish
citizens are marrying abroad, are now submitted online.
2012 & 2013 An online register has been introduced for all documents
officially authenticated (apostilled), bringing authentication
busiest years in history of
processes into line with best practice.
Passport Service
In short, we will need to be more flexible in how we design
and deliver support and assistance to Irish people travelling,
14% living and working abroad and returning to live and work
of passports issued abroad in Ireland.
86%
of passports issued in Ireland @PassportIrl
increase in number of
passports issued with
10%
less staff
6%
lower costs
since 200922 OUR PEOPLE
Minister Deenihan with members of the Irish American Community at the Famine Memorial in Philadelphia © Tom Keenan
Connecting culturally and intellectually, as well as
economically. Looking out, it is about
The Global Irish Network, initiated
in 2009, has provided a forum for
with the Global mobilising the remarkable influence discussion of imaginative and
Irish Family of the Irish nation, which is a legacy of
more than 200 years of emigration.
influential new initiatives to deepen
links across the diaspora.
The global Irish family is a resource
of incomparable benefit. The Irish
abroad contribute to all aspects of Irish
life, from culture and society, to the
sports field and the board room. The
influence they provide in the countries
where they live extends Ireland’s reach,
adding a unique dimension to our
relations with those countries.
Engagement with the Irish abroad is
a two-way process that reflects the
diverse interests and needs of the
Irish overseas, opening up the lines
of communication and connectivity
for the mutual benefit of Ireland
and the Irish abroad. Looking in, it
is about enriching Ireland, socially, Team Japan at the Asian Gaelic Games, Kuala Lumpur, 2014.OUR PEOPLE 23
My Job
Ralph Victory
Press and Immigration Officer,
Embassy Washington
U.S. immigration reform to include
relief for undocumented Irish
migrants and improved channels
for future legal migration between
Ireland and America are major
Government priorities and have
been a primary focus of my job
since my arrival in Washington D.C.
Recipients of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award 2013
in 2011. I have engaged in extensive
networking and relationship-
President Michael D. Higgins, building diaspora, facilitated by initiatives such
building with key Congressional
on the work of President McAleese as The Gathering in 2013 and Ireland
and Administration officials and
and President Robinson, has assumed Reaching Out.
worked closely with the wider Irish-
a leading role in reaching out to
American community, particularly
emigrant communities and deepening How the Government interacts with
in support of high-level outreach
connections at the highest level. the Irish abroad and the structures
by the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister
available to manage this important
for Foreign Affairs and Trade and
The introduction of the Presidential relationship must continue to evolve
Oireachtas delegations and by
Distinguished Service Award for the to match the needs of this ever-
the Ambassador.
Irish Abroad recognises outstanding changing diaspora.
achievement by Irish people overseas. Immigration reform is a challenging
A Certificate of Irish Heritage now topic but it’s been great to work
provides official recognition of the towards helping the undocumented
descendents of previous generations and enhancing future Ireland‑US
of Irish emigrants. ties through improved
70
immigration arrangements.
An estimated
Jimmy Deenihan TD was appointed
Ireland’s first dedicated Minister
for Diaspora Affairs in 2014 in a
commitment to further deepening
Government engagement with million people
our diaspora. worldwide claim
Irish descent, half of
Irish communities – at home and
whom are in the
abroad – are taking the lead in
building their own networks across the
United States24 OUR PEOPLE
Ireland’s 2013 EU Presidency launch at Dublin Castle
The public consultation on Ireland’s the Irish abroad played in the struggle home also represent a valuable
diaspora policy will help guide the for independence and in the process link between Ireland and their
further development of policy. This has of national reconciliation, with events home countries.
revealed diverse responses, but two clear planned in several centres.
themes have emerged. First, the Irish Increasing globalisation challenges us
abroad wish to have their voices heard More should also be done to develop the to rethink what constitutes the Global
at home. Second, they wish to remain connections between the diaspora and Irish Family. In addition to emigrants
connected with Ireland, and they see a local communities in Ireland, building and their descendants, there are those
role for the Government in this. on the success of The Gathering. who are not Irish by birth or ancestry
but who have found an affinity with
The Constitutional Convention has Ongoing efforts are needed to Ireland, whether through time spent
recommended extending voting rights encourage the third and fourth- here for work or study, through tourism
in Presidential elections to citizens generation Irish to retain a sense of or through contact with the Irish
who are resident outside of the State. their heritage. abroad or through the attraction of
This recommendation is currently Irish culture.
being examined. Our new citizens are a bridge between
Ireland and their countries of origin. Engagement with these affinity
Advances in technology make it more Many are opting to become citizens of networks should be deepened.
possible and more necessary than Ireland, bringing their talents, energy
ever to facilitate and maintain close and experience to bear in the life of
ongoing connections from afar. This our nation.
potential has yet to be fully harnessed.
The growing number of people who
The commemorations programme have spent time living, studying and
offers an immediate opportunity to working in Ireland and then returned
collaborate and to mark the role thatOUR PEOPLE 25
Sharing our Culture We are known for our sporting
enthusiasm as a nation, and our
gaming. In the immediate future, the
embassy network will work closely
fans are as celebrated and welcomed with Culture Ireland and the Design
Some of the strongest affinities are
abroad as our accomplishments on the and Crafts Council to bring events
those created through culture and sport.
pitch, track and field. Gaelic games are such as Yeats 2015 and the Year of
reaching an international audience, Irish Design 2015 to the attention
The arts, culture and creative sectors
and over 400 GAA clubs abroad are of audiences worldwide. Ireland’s
in Ireland are a dynamic and growing
raising awareness of Ireland and embassies and consulates are also
pillar of our economy, employing
building relationships across the globe helping to develop and support a
around 170,000 people. Irish culture
through initiatives such as the Asian vibrant international dimension to the
is a global commons, recognised and
Gaelic Games. The GAA also provides Decade of Commemorations, including
followed by people who may have
a valuable social and support network a festival of Irish culture at the Kennedy
no other connection to Ireland. Our
for many Irish people living and Center in Washington DC in 2016
music; our literature; tours by Irish
working abroad. entitled “Proclaiming Ireland”.
theatre and dance companies; film,
television and animation produced
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Through cultural diplomacy, the
or set in Ireland; our international
Trade provides support to Irish Studies relationship we have built with
festivals; and the achievements of our
programmes at universities worldwide, our diaspora communities and the
sportswomen and men; all introduce
while the Department of Arts, Heritage partnerships we have forged around
Ireland to a global audience, beginning
and the Gaeltacht is supporting the the globe can only be strengthened.
conversations and relationships that
development of Irish language courses
can enhance our profile and image,
in third-level institutions overseas.
cement friendships and support jobs,
Irish Studies, Celtic Studies and Irish
trade, tourism and investment.
language programmes are being
provided at third-level institutions in
The Department of Foreign Affairs
North America, Europe and further
and Trade works closely with Culture
afield. Through Global Gaeilge, Foras
Ireland in promoting Irish arts
na Gaeilge and the Department of
worldwide, supporting Irish artists
Foreign Affairs and Trade support those
and companies to present their work
with an interest in the Irish language
abroad, while our schools, colleges and
around the world.
universities also play an important role
in our cultural engagement overseas.
Ireland has well recognised strengths
and an international reputation for Case Study
design and creativity, for example Chinese New Year, Beijing
in the fields of fashion, media and
Ireland was ‘Country of Honour’ at
Beijing’s Chaoyang International
Spring Carnival in February 2013. A
highlight of Beijing’s Chinese New
Year celebrations, the festival was
attended by 380,000 people.
Organised by the embassy in
Beijing, the festival was a prime
opportunity to boost Ireland’s
profile in the Chinese capital,
featuring four Irish cultural
performances a day, and strong
Irish branding. The embassy
secured significant TV, print and
online media coverage of Ireland.
Irish music group Anúna touring ScandinaviaOur Values
OUR VALUES 27
Irish peacekeepers at a community event in Tibnin, Lebanon. Photo: Pasqual Gorriz / UN Photo
A
rticle 29 of the Constitution Supporting greater peace, security and
sets out the principles that development is also in our interest as
guide Ireland’s conduct of its a small country with an open economy
international relations: the ideals in an ever more interconnected and
Our Signature
of peace and friendly cooperation uncertain world. Foreign Policies
amongst nations, founded on
international justice and morality; Our ability to shape the world
adherence to the principle of the according to our values is defined
pacific settlement of international by our membership of the European
disputes by international arbitration Union, our participation in the United
or judicial determination; and the Nations, and our partnerships with like
principles of international law as our minded countries and other actors.
rule of conduct in our relations with
other states. The United Nations has been a
cornerstone of our global engagement
Our foreign policy is deeply anchored in since 1955. The principles and values
the values set out in our Constitution. enshrined in the UN Charter are those
Combating
These are reflected also in the Charter we have always striven to promote
Poverty and Hunger
of the United Nations, the Universal and protect and we engage across the
Declaration of Human Rights and in breadth of UN activities in pursuit
the principles which underpin the of our goals. We have been a strong
Advancing
European Union. supporter of the multilateral system
Human Rights
of collective security represented by
These values are under pressure. New the UN and of the primary role of the
actors have emerged with competing Security Council in the maintenance of Promoting
visions of society. Global institutions are international peace and security. Disarmament
struggling to respond to conflicts and
humanitarian crises in Libya, Syria, the Ireland has been one of the strongest
Middle East and Ukraine; to the stresses and most consistent supporters of the Committed to UN
of an interdependent global economy; three pillars of the UN’s work: peace Peacekeeping
and to poverty and underdevelopment. and security, development and human
There is as yet no consensus on how rights, having served three times as
to deal with some new and emerging a non-permanent member of the Sharing our
threats such as cyber-security while Security Council and provided strong experience of peace
the non-proliferation regime is also and principled leadership on issues and reconciliation on
under pressure. such as disarmament, human rights, the island of Ireland
development and the search for peace
in the Middle East.28 OUR VALUES
UN General Assembly
A Secure World leadership, we will seek election to the
Security Council again for the period
East. The Departments of Defence and
Foreign Affairs and Trade work closely
2021-22. to ensure our approach to international
As the institution with primary
peace and security remains effective
responsibility for the maintenance of
In line with this approach, Ireland has and responsive to the evolving
international peace and security, the
taken seriously its obligations under international security environment.
UN Security Council must be equipped
the UN Charter to make available to
to respond more effectively to the
the Security Council armed forces, In recent years, one of the most
changing array of security threats as
assistance and facilities in order to significant changes in UN efforts to
they emerge, in a way that commands
contribute to the maintenance of maintain international peace and
respect and broad consensus and
international peace and security. security has been the mandating of
recognises the new realities that
regional organisations such as the EU,
confront us.
For over five decades, Irish men and the African Union and NATO, by the UN,
women have participated continuously to manage operations on its behalf and
Ireland has taken a lead role in
and with great distinction in UN under its authority. The UN Secretary
efforts to improve the working
peacekeeping missions in Europe, General has called on the EU and other
methods of the Council, favouring
Asia, Africa, Central America and the organisations to play a greater role
a more representative Council
Middle East. Since our first deployment in meeting the growing demand for
that more closely reflects regional
in 1958, eighty-six members of the peacekeeping.
balances, population and economic
Defence Forces have made the
weight, while preserving the right
ultimate sacrifice while serving on Ireland advocates a strong EU
of smaller UN members to serve at
peacekeeping missions. contribution to UN peacekeeping.
frequent intervals.
The EU’s Common Security and
Our participation in peacekeeping has Defence Policy (CSDP) provides the
We are respected at the United
evolved pragmatically in response to operational capacity to undertake crisis
Nations as an active, constructive and
changes in the international security management operations outside the
independent-minded member. As
environment and must continue to do EU, in accordance with the principles
part of our commitment to providing
so. The majority of our peacekeepers of the UN Charter. The CSDP is oriented
are deployed on missions in the Middle towards the external challenges ofYou can also read
