Foreign Affairs & Trade

Ireland plays an active role in the world and we make valuable contributions to international affairs through our involvement in multilateral organisations and initiatives. At the heart of our efforts abroad is our simple mission: to promote and protect the values, interests and economic well-being of Ireland and its people.

Ireland in Europe helps to shape the EU through our input into economic and social policies. We use our EU membership to make a valuable contribution to world affairs. And we promote and protect Ireland’s interests in the EU through the work of the Department of the Taoiseach, with the co-operation of this Department, its Embassies in Europe and the Permanent Mission to the EU in Brussels.

Irish Aid is the Irish Government’s official aid programme, working on behalf of Irish people to address poverty and hunger in some of the world’s poorest countries. We are a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our aid programme is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy.

We work with the British Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and with civil society to foster reconciliation and develop opportunities for North-South co-operation. Through these efforts, we consolidate the achievements of the Good Friday Agreement and ensure that this island can reach its full potential.

Ireland is lucky to have a diaspora who makes a meaningful contribution to our country, whether they’re building economic development, raising awareness of our culture or creating a positive image of Ireland in their adopted homes.  We’re committed to recognising their efforts by engaging with them both practically and strategically.

For more information, please visit www.dfa.ie