DFAT Departmental Action Plan 2026

31.1 Deliver Ireland's engagements and programmes for the Taoiseach, Minister and other Government Ministers at the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week in September

31.2 Promote Irish candidacies, and those of EU and other Member States in line with our strategic interests, within the international multilateral system and the UN

31.3 Successfully deliver Ireland's EU Presidency responsibilities in multilateral organisations including the UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, OECD and WTO

32.1 Support the UN80 reform process, led by UN SG, ensuring core mandates and development principles, including principle of furthest behind first, are protected; Shape input to and contribute towards an aligned EU approach that prioritises a balanced approach to reform and the protection of UN pillars; support the election of a new UN SG who will ensure the continuation of the process

DCAD (Multilateral UN and IFIs) / Political Division (UNP, PSU)

32.2 Provide political and financial support to promote multilateral approaches to peace and stability through the UN, OECD and IFIs

DCAD (Multilateral UN and IFIs)/ Political Division (UNP, PSU)

33.1 Manage and advance Ireland's positions during four major arms control Review Conferences in 2026

Political Division (Disarmament and Non- Proliferation Unit)

33.2 Coordinate cross-government on strengthening export control regimes (WA, AG, ZG, MTCR, NSG) and on emerging technologies and space

Political Division (Disarmament and Non- Proliferation Unit)

34.1 Continue Ireland's role as a guarantor of the Colombia peace process, including by convening a Colombia Task Team, through implementation of development programmes and regional engagement on climate, humanitarian and sustainable development

34.2 Support and work with civil society organisations working for conflict resolution and peacebuilding in the Horn of Africa, Ukraine, Sahel, Middle East, with a focus on inclusion of women and youth

34.3 Develop resources, training and a panel of expertise on Northern Ireland lesson sharing to support colleagues in peacebuilding and mediation work

34.4 Deliver Year One commitments of the Women Peace and Security National Action Plan

35) In close collaboration with Department of Defence, work to strengthen and reform UN peacekeeping operations and policy, and continue participation in UN peacekeeping operations

36.1 Chair security-related working groups during our Presidency, including delivering arrangements for nine informal events on international security policy in Ireland during our Presidency

36.2 Manage and ensure effective policy engagement on Ireland's contributions to the European Peace Facility, including as it relates to Ukraine, and ensure our effective chairing of the European Peace Facility Committee as Presidency

36.3 Support effective development and implementation of CSDP Missions, including engagement with EU partners in support of the development of a CSDP Mission in Lebanon, in light of the withdrawal of UNIFIL in 2027. Delivery and implementation of a Civilian CSDP policy review in Q4

37.1 Chair the Working Party on Public International Law (International Criminal Court) and ensure that EU interventions in international fora express support for the ICC

37.2 Chair the first Preparatory Committee for the UN Conference for a Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity

37.3 Participate in the ICC's Assembly of States Parties in New York

38.1 Ensure effective stewardship of our EU Presidency responsibilities in relation to supporting Ukraine's EU accession path; ensure Ukraine is at the forefront of the EPC summit to be hosted in Dublin

39.2 Co-host a Ukraine-Ireland Economic Forum to promote investment and joint venture cooperation

39.3 Participate in the annual "Ukraine Recovery Conference" to facilitate Ukraine's reconstruction

39.4 Contribute €25 million to support critical energy infrastructure and €34.5 million in humanitarian and stabilisation supports for Ukraine

39.5 In cooperation with D/Defence, support continued and substantive engagement with EU planning for security guarantees and consideration of Irish contributions

40.1 Continue support to the Palestinian Authority, including the announcement of additional funding in line with our commitment under the auspices of the Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority.

40.2 Advocate at EU level for focus on the two-state solution and increased use of EU influence and tools to advance towards a just and lasting peace

40.3 Continue to take a leading role in the Global Alliance for the Implementation of a Two-State Solution, including through delivery of its 8th meeting in Dublin

40.4 Take a forward position in the EU on recovery plans for Lebanon, including a potential CSDP mission for the post UNIFIL period

40.5 Intensify engagement with Gulf Cooperation Council partners to assist in management of the EU relationship with Iran in the post-conflict period

40.6 Work at EU level and bilaterally to promote peace, stability and human rights in Syria, Iraq and Yemen

41.1 Progress relevant work strands and continue engagement on the wider issue at an EU level

42.1 Lead on Ministerial visits to countries in the region, to build partnerships, advance Irish interests and values, and which support a comprehensive international response

42.2 Engage on the definition and development of the new EU Syria Strategy

43) In close collaboration with Department of Defence, work to strengthen and reform UN peacekeeping operations and policy, and continue participation in UN peacekeeping operations

44.1 Support Ireland's engagement on Cyber issues at EU level, including during the Presidency, Q3- Q4, and in multilateral level including the Global Dialogue on AI and other fora

44.2 Support the development of the new National Cyber Security Strategy, contributing to cyber diplomacy-related elements, and contribute a foreign policy perspective on other national cyber policy issues

44.3 Engage in the establishment of the new UN Global Mechanism on ICT Security in July 2026 and in other international processes to promote a safe, secure, free and open global cyberspace

45.1 Participate in the third substantive meeting of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Prepare for and participate in the First Meeting of the BBNJ Agreement's Conference of the Parties

45.2 Participate in International Seabed Authority Council & Assembly meetings

45.3 Support the implementation of the UNCLOS on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), including through our partnership with the World Maritime University

46.1 Secure election to the Human Rights Council (2027-2029) in October, with strong support from Council members

46.2 Promote the priorities of Ireland's Human Rights Council campaign - support for civil society and human rights defenders, women's rights and gender equality, LGBTIQ+ persons, the right to adequate food and persons with disabilities in conflict - including through engagement with international partners, civil society, HRDs and across government

46.3 Support the Department of Children, Disability and Equality as lead Department in preparations for Ireland's Universal Periodic Review

47.1 Input into the development and renewal of UN and EU restrictive measures and other sanctions issues, including inclusion of humanitarian exemptions building on our work on the UN Security Council. Work with other Departments / Agencies to monitor domestic implementation of sanctions, through chairing of monthly Cross Departmental International Sanctions Committee

Political Division (Sanctions Policy & Accountability Unit)

47.2 Support continued pressure on Russia through the implementation and development of EU sanctions packages

Political Division (Sanctions Policy & Accountability Unit)

48.1 Publish Ireland's second National Plan on Business and Human Rights, with Department of Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment and other relevant stakeholders

49.1 Through Ireland's Civil Society Partnership for A Better World (ICSP), provide €100 million in funding across ten leading Irish-based NGOs

49.2 Reinforce Ireland's strong record in gender programming by establishing a target for ODA targeting gender, including through co-chairing of OECD DAC Gendernet

49.3 Strengthen support for maternal health under our commitment to global health equity and sexual and reproductive health and rights, including through new partnerships on maternal health, such as with UAE/Beginnings Fund in Ethiopia

49.4 Implement our commitments to increase ODA spending on nutrition to build the focus on disability inclusive development including through participation in the One Health Summit in France and the COSP in New York

49.5 Build dynamic peacebuilding responses to evolving contexts in Africa (Mozambique, Horn of Africa and West Africa)

50.1 Prioritise our 12 high quality country-level development programmes in Africa working with local partners and review the balance of the programmes in the light of ODA cutbacks by a number of major partners, with an ongoing focus and commitment to the SDGs

50.2 Launch new or updated country programme strategies for Ethiopia, Senegal and Nigeria; carry out mid-term reviews of country programme strategies for Uganda, Sierra Leone and Liberia, Q2-Q3

50.3 Undertake evaluations of country programme strategies for South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania, Q1-Q2; Initiate evaluations of country programme strategies for Zambia and Uganda, Q4; Undertake reviews of the Central America and Colombia Programme Frameworks, Q3-Q4

50.4 Support regular Ministerial and other High-Level visits to Africa to build understanding, partnerships and inform country-level programmes

50.5 Implement Ireland's 2nd Strategy for Partnership with SIDS, in coordination with relevant desks, missions and Government Departments

51.1 Publish Ireland's Climate Finance Report for 2024 and work on the 2025 Report which will demonstrate achievement of the €225 million climate finance target

51.2 With the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, lead EU negotiations at COP31, particularly relating to Adaptation and Loss and Damage

51.3 Work with other board members of the Adaptation Fund for increased financial flows to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Co-lead the Champions Group on Adaptation finance with the Netherlands to maintain focus on the vulnerability of LDCs, SIDS

52.1 Support visit by the Taoiseach to China, Q1; identify and pursue economic opportunities in relation to China through engagement at quarterly RMT meetings and direct reports to the HQMT. Ensure coherence and a joined-up approach to our relationship with China, based on Ireland's interests and values

53.1 Engage in processes on reform of the evolution of the UN Development System and influence international forums for the Future of Development Cooperation

53.2 Chair Nordic+ international development group, handing over to Sweden in June

54.1 Provide humanitarian assistance to trusted international partners across multiple crises, and ensure we respond very rapidly to sudden onset emergencies

54.2 Undertake visits to crises, including Chad, South Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan and others with UN and Red Cross partners as appropriate, to inform our advocacy and humanitarian assistance responses

54.3 Advocate for the UN and other humanitarian organisations to be facilitated in full to carry out their life-saving work in Gaza and for ensuring humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza at scale; advocate for the Gaza response and recovery mechanisms under 2803 to be based on Humanitarian Principles and International Law, with central roles for the UN and PA

54.4 Provide €42 million in assistance to the people of Palestine, including €20 million in core funding to support the work of UNRWA in providing vital services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the West Bank, and across the region; support UNRWA and advocate within EU and UN for increased support

54.5 Further increase humanitarian assistance to respond to the Sudan crisis and seek during the Presidency to strengthen EU engagement

54.6 Provide political and financial support to promote multilateral and civil society led approaches to conflict prevention and sustaining peace to mitigate conflict and humanitarian crises

55) Continue to increase Official Development Assistance annually, working towards the UN target of 0.7% of Gross National Income

56.1 Develop a successor Global Citizenship Education Strategy

DCAD (Global Programmes & Citizen Education / Civil Society)

56.2 Support civil society partners to deliver educational and capacity building programming to vulnerable communities, particularly women and girls

DCAD (Global Programmes & Citizen Education / Civil Society)

56.3 Through our Civil Society Partnership for A Better World, maintain support to key Irish NGO work across 40 developing countries; and work to maintain awareness in Ireland of key global challenges

DCAD (Global Programmes & Citizen Education / Civil Society)

56.4 As members of Advisory Board of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, maintain attention on and funding for the furthest behind with particular focus on the needs of women and girls; engage actively at both EU and UN level to raise and provide assistance for the plight of women

and girls, including through advocating for the EU to become more active on the human rights and humanitarian situation

DC GLOBEC (Asia-Pacific Unit) / DCAD (Humanitarian Unit)

57.1 Coordinate the 'Promoting Ireland' St Patrick's Day programme for 2026, involving travel by the Taoiseach, Minister and members of the Government to 50+ countries to promote Ireland, Irish values and interests including through key messages for international audiences a comprehensive communications and media plan. Report to government on activities undertaken

GLOBEC (Global Ireland Unit; Economic, OECD & G20 Unit)

57.2 Advance whole of Government objectives by maintaining and developing strong bilateral relationships across the global mission network; protect and promote Irish interests and values, including within the framework of regional and country strategies

57.3 Implement the final year of the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Strategy, undertake programme of political consultations, undertake and launch Mexico economic mapping report, and host the first LAC Trade Horizons conference in Ireland

57.4 Building on the planned ratification of CETA and the Ireland-Canada Economic Impact report, support ambitious programme of inward and outward political visits, prepare for Canada-Ireland 180 cultural season & implement new De Chastelain scholarship initiative

58.1 Use the Government Action Plan on Market Diversification as a platform to deepen Team Ireland connections at HQ and strengthen coordination between the Headquarters Market Team (HQMT) and Local and Regional Market Teams at Missions. HQMT to convene at least three times in 2026; Collaborate with DETE on quarterly reporting on implementation of Action Plan

58.2 Deliver Ireland's G20 participation under the US Presidency and during Ireland's EU Presidency; deliver Ireland's participation in the G20 Leaders' Summit Q4; Engage with the UK regarding Ireland's continued participation in the G20 in 2027 during the UK Presidency, Q4; Join-up across government on G20 developments and deliverables including through at least quarterly meetings of the official- led interdepartmental committee

58.3 Engage in strong OECD coordination structures including supporting ministerial attendance at the OECD Ministerial Council in June;build support and understanding of Ireland's priorities domestically and internationally; co-ordinate the OECD Interdepartmental Committee, and review 2026 engagement, Q4.

58.4 Implement Government Action Plan on India, including the second meeting of Ireland-India Economic Advisory Panel

58.5 Actively engage on OECD trade policy as well as at the WTO including through Ministerial attendance at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon in March. Bring forward proposals for WTO reform during the EU Presidency

59.1 Complete and open Ireland House Lyon, Q2; complete the design of new Ireland House Madrid and new Ireland House Toronto, Q4

59.2 Commence fit out on site of new Ireland House London

59.3 Open new Consulate General in Melbourne, Q1; Open new Consulate General in Malaga, Q2

CSD (PMU) / GLOBEC /

EUTPD / IUKA Division / Political Division

59.4 Complete the fit out and open the permanent Chancery of Embassy Chisinau; the permanent space for the Consulate of Ireland, Manchester; for the Embassy of Ireland, Tehran and the Consulate of Ireland, Miami

CSD (PMU) / GLOBEC /

EUTPD / IUKA Division / Political Division

59.5 Review the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund and explore a new round of the Fund

59.6 Provide additional multilingual content on Ireland.ie commencing with translation of 15 key Mission sites; Restructure the Pillar pages on Ireland.ie (Visit, Trade, Invest and Study); and agree publishing plans with State Agencies for Ireland.ie to highlight work of Team Ireland

60.1 Enhance Ireland's visibility and reputation abroad by delivering effective digital campaigns for key public diplomacy milestones including St Brigid's Day, St Patrick's Day and Bloomsday and Beyond and amplifying content by Team Ireland partners including Tourism Ireland's 'Home of Halloween' campaign

60.2 Provide communications support for UN High-Level Week in September, Canada-Ireland 180 and other public diplomacy campaigns

60.3 Engage in public outreach at major national events, including Young Scientists (Q1), Science Blast (Q1), Fís (Q1), Africa Day (Q2) and the National Ploughing Championships (Q3)

61.1 Work with Department of the Taoiseach and the Global Ireland SOG to deliver the new Global Ireland 2040 strategy

62.1 In line with the objectives of Global Ireland 2040, commence consideration and development of new whole-of-government strategies for priority partner countries and regions for phased publication in 2026/27, including new strategies covering Latin America and the Caribbean, the US, Canada, the Asia Pacific region, Africa, SIDS, the Middle East and North Africa, France, Germany, Nordic-Baltic and Western Balkans regions

63.1 Deliver high-level political engagement throughout the year and incoming visits at administration, congressional and state level

63.2 Implement a programme to mark America 250 in the US to highlight Ireland's historic and present connections to the US

63.3 Communicate the story of mutually beneficial Ireland - US economic links, continue to engage the Strategic Economic Advisory Panel, and deepen our understanding of Ireland's economic impact in the US

63.4 Expand diplomatic team in the US, including in the Southern States

64.1 Convene meetings of the Trade Forum throughout 2026 to be chaired by Minister

GLOBEC (Economic, OECD & G20 Unit) / EUTPD (Trade Policy Unit)

64.2 Develop, in cooperation with the political, public and private sectors, a new Forum Work Plan which supports delivery of DFAT and government priorities, Q1; Implement new Forum Work Plan, Q4

GLOBEC (Economic, OECD & G20 Unit) / EUTPD (Trade Policy Unit)

65.1 Lead the implementation of actions to be delivered by DFAT under the Action Plan on Market Diversification (APMD). Overall Implementation of APMD to be coordinated by the HQ Market Team and submitted to the Cabinet Committee on the Economy

65.2 Support DFHERIS to appoint Innovation Attachés in strategically important Missions, Q2 and coordinate review of trade and investment attaché network and the State Agency footprint abroad, Q4

66.1 Engage with D/Finance regarding adding new Liechtenstein and Azerbaijan tax treaties, and an updated Sweden tax treaty, to Finance Bill 2026

67) Develop a strategy to map, support, and tell the story of Irish investment overseas

68.1 Build Global Gateway Team national networks within DFAT and across Government with relevant Departments / agencies to support awareness within private sector of the Global Gateway Strategy

68.2 Provide €2.22million in funding to partners working Aid for Trade to support effective participation by developing countries, especially LDCs in the WTO; ensure LDCs are supported to develop and implement trade related policies and regulations to build trade capacity and strengthen productivity

69.1 Deliver UK Ireland 2030 Culture Partnership programme with D/Culture Communications and Sport and UK Government for announcement at UK Ireland Summit in March, Q1; Deliver UK Ireland 2030 Culture Partnership programme with DCCS and UK Government, Q2 - Q3

69.2 Deliver EU Presidency Cultural Programme in partnership with Culture Ireland and missions

70.1 Finalise and launch the International Sports Diplomacy Strategy; commence governance structures and implementation plan and begin implementing Department-led actions of the Strategy

70.2 Launch a new International Sports Diplomacy Fund

71.1 Recruit a Chief Information Officer to develop the Department's ICT network, infrastructure and business support systems, Q2; and establish a new ICT Division, Q4

72.1 Complete SEAI's Monitoring & Reporting System; deliver projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions; lead staff initiatives and deliver guidelines on sustainable meetings

73) Support and invest in continuous learning and development (including language training) for all staff at home and abroad

74.1 Develop an Innovation Strategy for the Department following staff consultation; promote and support Public Service Transformation Week and organise a DFAT specific event

74.2 Deliver a revised iteration of the Department's AI Policy and support its rollout

75.1 Launch Reasonable Accommodation Implementation Group

HRD (Strategic HR / Workplace Relations and Wellbeing)

75.3 In line with the ongoing DFAT commitment to gender equality, ensure at least 50% of Heads of Mission posts are held by female officers (at each of the A/Sec; Counsellor/PO; & FS/AP grades)

76) Strengthen supports for our posted staff and accompanying family members as well as for our locally engaged colleagues overseas

77) Provide effective Management Board leadership in line with the Department's Corporate Governance Framework

78.1 Implement the final year of the SCC strategy; and extend the Department's Digital Transformation Strategy 2022-25 by one year to facilitate the development of a new ICT Strategy in 2027

78.5 Publish a Public Sector Duty Assessment; integrate PSD into strategic business cycle

79) Continue to deliver projects governed by a robust project management approach and in line with public spending regulations

80.1 Deliver a high-quality overall programme of visits for Heads of State, Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers, and other high-level visitors, in collaboration with other Departments, external stakeholders; deliver world-class events in Iveagh house and other venues, including during the Presidency

80.2 Plan and deliver high quality visits of the President abroad, in coordination with the relevant Embassy and local authorities

81.1 Participate in and complete National Cyber Security Centre NIS2/CyFun Pilot Project

82) Ensure efficient and effective processes to comply with statutory obligations in information management, including Customer Services; Data Protection; Lobbying; Freedom of Information; and Protected Disclosures and with regard to the Official Languages Acts

83.1 Conduct internal audits of key risk areas, including 8 to 10 Mission audits; conduct 5 evaluations including 3 Mission Strategies; support the Department in combatting fraud in its business operations and programmes

84) Continue to invest in a strong health, safety and security culture within the Department, recognising the challenges and risks associated with operating in increasingly unstable and insecure environments globally