The first major review of Irish foreign affairs priorities in almost 20 years has resulted in the selection of five "signature" policies representing the State's "core values", Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has said.
The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World was launched by Mr Flanagan and Taoiseach Enda Kenny at a gathering of ambassadors in Dublin Castle. “Our foreign policy is a statement of who we are as a people,” Mr Flanagan said. “The Global Island reaffirms Ireland’s principled engagement in areas such as international development, human rights, disarmament, UN peacekeeping and the search for peace in the Middle East.”
He confirmed that Ireland would seek election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2021 to 2022.
The five signature foreign policies outlined in the Department of Foreign Affairs review are combating poverty and hunger, advancing human rights, promoting disarmament, commitment to UN peacekeeping, sharing the experience of peace, and reconciliation on the island of Ireland.
In compiling the review, department personnel consulted with other departments and State agencies, as well as members of the Oireachtas, during the first half of 2014. The public was also invited to submit views on what Ireland's foreign policy priorities and goals should be. The review was initiated by Eamon Gilmore, Mr Flanagan's predecessor as minister for foreign affairs.
The last time such an exercise was undertaken was in 1996. The result was a White Paper called Challenges and Opportunities Abroad.
The Minister also announced a staff exchange programme between his department and global Irish companies, which he said would enable the department to gain a greater understanding of their needs. “The first exchanges will take place with global aviation leasing company Avolon, with further exchanges planned for this year,” he said.
Mr Flanagan added that his department had provided a range of services to Irish people living, working and travelling abroad, and was leading the Government’s engagement with the global Irish diaspora.
“This includes the new generation of young Irish who have found opportunities abroad in recent years. The Government’s work promoting partnership, co-operation and reconciliation on the island of Ireland is also a key priority.
“Ireland is a country with a global people, economy, culture and outlook. Ireland’s foreign policy is an essential tool to serve the Irish people and promote their values and economic interests abroad,” he added.
“The Global Island offers a progressive, forward-looking vision of Ireland’s place in the world. It sets out the key areas of focus for the Government’s global engagement to help secure a prosperous future for the Irish people, and to contribute to building a better world.”
Mr Flanagan also said that the global financial crisis had shown the importance of Ireland’s place as a fully engaged member of the EU, as well as the value of strong relationships with international partners. Foreign policy contributed to job-creation in Ireland.
“As we move into a period of economic growth,” the Minister added, “Ireland’s foreign policy will be central to promoting the Government’s trade, tourism, education and investment goals.”
