Minister McEntee launches Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Action Plan 2026

Minister McEntee launches Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Action Plan 2026

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 26 March 2026
• Last updated on: 26 March 2026

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, has today launched the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Action Plan 2026, the first plan of its kind, setting out more than 200 actions to be delivered across the year.

The Plan focuses on strengthening Ireland's leadership in Europe, expanding its global footprint, supporting peace and stability and improving services for citizens.

2026 will be a defining year for Ireland internationally. The Department will lead preparations for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, coordinate major international meetings and help shape Europe's agenda at a critical time.

Ireland will also expand its global presence, including opening new Consulates General in Melbourne and Malaga, strengthening its diplomatic network and deepening trade and international partnerships.

Delivering for citizens is central to the Plan, with continued investment in passport and consular services, using new technology to provide faster, more responsive support at home and abroad.

The Plan reaffirms Ireland's commitment to peace, international law and multilateral cooperation, including support for Ukraine, engagement on the Middle East peace process and action on global humanitarian crises. It also includes the largest-ever investment in Ireland's development programme, targeting poverty, hunger, climate action and gender equality.

Engagement with Ireland's global diaspora will be strengthened through a new Diaspora Strategy, while the Department will also play a central role in shaping Global Ireland 2040.

Launching the Plan, Minister McEntee said: "This is about delivery. Delivering for citizens, delivering for Ireland and delivering globally in a time of real change.

"This Action Plan sets out in practical terms how we will deliver across the Department's priorities in the year ahead. It brings together a wide range of actions, from our work in the European Union and across our global network, to the services we provide to citizens every day.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues across Government and with our missions overseas to deliver on these actions over the coming year."

Minister McEntee will lead delivery of the Plan alongside Ministers of State Thomas Byrne TD and Neale Richmond TD, with progress reviewed regularly by the Department's Management Board.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Action Plan 2026 is available here.