Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697749931531.pdf (Ireland)
2019 Annual Report Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade 2019 Annual Report An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D.

© Julian Behal / DFAT and Frankfurt.

These Embassies and Consulates strengthen our ability to advocate for Ireland’s interests internationally and to support our citizens abroad.

Many played key roles in the Department’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Along with new regional strategies for our engagement with the US and Canada, and with Africa, they mark a further milestone in the implementation of the Global Ireland 2025 agenda - a holistic, cross-Government approach to our international relations.

No review of 2019 is complete without a mention of Brexit.

The Department was and remains at the forefront of the Government’s eﬀorts to ensure Ireland’s interests are safeguarded, particularly the avoidance of a hard border on our island.
Every member of the DFAT team has contributed to these eﬀorts to support our citizens, safeguard our interests and promote our values.

I would like to thank all colleagues in the Department who go the extra mile every day, often in challenging circumstances, on behalf of our country.

Go raibh mile maith agaibh go léir.

Foreword An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D.
2019 – viewed from a very diﬀerent vantage point in 2020 – is a year in which the achievements of the Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade greatly enhanced our response to the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.

They have also better prepared us to seize the opportunities that already present themselves as we look more hopefully toward 2021.
The year began with the launch of Ireland’s new international development policy, A Better World and ended with our, ultimately successful, election campaign to the United Nations Security Council in full swing.

Both mark a new and exciting chapter in Ireland’s history of international engagement.
They increase our standing internationally in support of those in greatest need around the world and in building resilience against future emergencies, through climate action, addressing humanitarian need, and strengthening governance and the role of women in our societies.

A key achievement was the Department’s new Consular Strategy, which set ambitious objectives for the assistance and services this Department provides to our citizens abroad.
This enabled the fullest response by the Department to the exceptional demands generated in the wake of the international measures to restrict the spread of Covid-19, in particular, assisting in the repatriation of over 8,000 people from across the globe.

2019 also saw the further expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic and business network - with new missions established in Bogotá, Mumbai, Amman, Santiago, Cardiﬀ, Los Angeles Simon Coveney T.D.
1 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Foreword Secretary General Niall Burgess Secretary General, Niall Burgess © Phil Behan / DFAT From the perspective of 2020, and the global disruption wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic, 2019 feels like a diﬀerent world.
In spite of this, the very welcome developments which took place in 2019 should not be overshadowed, among them the launch of new regional and international development strategies, the establishment of new Culture and Global Ireland units at headquarters, and which was recognised by a Civil Service Excellence in Innovation Award.

Together, these strengthen this Department’s capacity to showcase the best of Ireland overseas.
Supporting us in this work is our network of Honorary Consuls, spread far beyond the footprint of our diplomatic missions.

The inaugural conference of Honorary Consuls which took place in September was a valuable opportunity to engage with a critical group of partners who do so much for our citizens abroad.

Building on the conference, we expect the Honorary Consul network will go from strength to strength in the years ahead.
It was also great to see the Passport Service recognised by multiple awards, including a NALA Plain English in Digital Award and a Promoting Ireland Abroad Award at the eGov Awards, and Team of the Year 2019 for the Passport Service’s Customer Service Hub at the Irish CX Awards.

These well-deserved awards come after many years of innovation which have greatly improved customer experience.
The launch of the “Ideas to Reality” initiative in May certainly helped foster a culture of innovation across the Department.

The Ideas Bank caught the imagination of for January 2021, will be an early showcase of some of the best of these ideas.

Looking to the near horizon, our bolstered capacity at home at abroad will stand us in good stead as we face into 2020 and the challenges and opportunities it will bring, not least Brexit and the UN Security Council election.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the dedication and goodwill and also that of their family members.

The foreign service is quite unique in terms of the demands it places on staﬀ, both those who stay and those who go, and their loved ones.

I thank all involved for their commitment and forbearance in challenging times.

2 2019 Annual Report 3 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Strengthening Our Place in Europe Advancing Sustaining Supporting Building Promoting of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade do?
at the around Working for 4 4 Contents Forewords Strengthening Our Place in Europe Advancing Ireland-UK & North-South Relations Building Global Ireland Ireland at the United Nations Peace, Security and Human Rights Working for A Better World Ireland and the Americas Promoting Ireland’s Prosperity Supporting Ireland’s People 01 09 15 21 27 29 37 43 49 57 63 2019 Annual Report 5 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Strengthening Our Place in Europe 6 2019 Annual Report The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade was the lead Minister for the 2019 Brexit Omnibus Act, signed into law by President Higgins on 17 March.
The Act consisted of 15 Parts under the remit of nine Ministers and was a response to the unprecedented challenges of Brexit.

The Act focused on protecting our citizens and on supporting the economy and jobs.

Common Travel Area Memorandum of Understanding On 8 May 2019, Ireland and the UK signed a Memorandum to maintaining the Common Travel Area (CTA) in all circumstances and to maintaining its associated rights and privileges for Irish and British citizens.
Under the CTA, Irish citizens move freely, reside in either jurisdiction, and enjoy associated rights and entitlements including access to employment, healthcare, education, This MOU provides clarity and assurance that the way in which Irish and British citizens can live and work freely across these islands will not change.

Brexit Preparing for Brexit continued to be a priority area for the Government throughout 2019.
The Department supported the engagement by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste on Brexit and the Article 50 process at the European Council, the General Aﬀairs Council and in discussions with counterparts across the EU.

Our teams at home and abroad continued to support, promote and explain Ireland’s key Brexit objectives.

The EU and UK concluded a Withdrawal Agreement on 17 October 2019, facilitating the UK’s orderly departure from the EU.
The Withdrawal Agreement includes a Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland designed to protect the peace process and avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Regardless of the outcome of the future relationship negotiations, the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Protocol will apply.

In parallel to our work to secure the Withdrawal Agreement, the Department co-ordinated extensive whole-of-Government preparations for Brexit.
The Brexit Contingency Action Plan Update was published in July 2019 to advise businesses and citizens on the steps they should take to prepare for a possible no-deal Brexit.

In 2019, the ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready’ campaign focused on preparedness and contingency planning.

It included national radio and TV advertising, the presence at the National Ploughing Championships.
An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Simon Coveney and of Understanding on the Common Travel Area © Noel Mullen An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney speaking on Brexit at the Government of Ireland tent at the National Ploughing Championships 2019 © Phil Behan / DFAT 9 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Visits to the Border by EU Political Leaders All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit The Government has always been clear that one of its key Brexit priorities lies in protecting the Good Friday Agreement, including by avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland.
In 2019, the Department facilitated fourteen visits to the As part of preparations for Brexit in 2019, including the risk of there being no Withdrawal Agreement, the Government held a plenary session of the All-Island Civic Dialogue on 15 February 2019 to update citizens and businesses on the work that had been done and the supports in place.

over the EU, seeking to deepen their understanding of Irish issues in the negotiations and the profound implications for Ireland of the UK’s vote to leave the EU.
This has been crucial in fostering the understanding that has informed support for Ireland among our EU partners.

The session featured updates from the Government, contributions from political parties, as well as discussions on People, Citizens, Rights and Business Preparations and was an opportunity to listen to the concerns of representative groups across society, North and South.

Minister of State for European Aﬀairs, Helen McEntee, T.D.
visits the border with French European Aﬀairs Minister, Amélie de Montchalin © Julien Behal / DFAT An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D.
speaking to journalists at the All-Island Civic Dialogue © Julien Behal / DFAT 10 Brexit Preparedness in 2019 at a glance: Brexit preparedness in 2019 at a glance: 2019 Annual Report Over 900,000 Irish passports issued, the highest in a single year, representing a 7% increase Additional customs and import control staﬀ recruited 3,319 companies evaluated readiness using the Enterprise Ireland Brexit SME Scoreboard 521 applications approved for the Brexit Loan Scheme Over 2,900 participants at information events Almost 1,600 participants training for businesses 34,517 applications received for the €78 million Brexit Package Over 103,000 trader outreach letters sent by Revenue 49,685 UK driving licenses 6,486 in 2018 Dublin Airport, Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort 7 visits by EU Ministers to the border on the island of Ireland WELCOME Brexit Omnibus Act signed into law on 17 March 2019 covers the remit of 9 Ministers Over 200 public events held by Government departments and 31 Brexit Update Newsletters issued #GettingIreland BrexitReady Reach: up to 2.6 m TV audience, up to 3m radio audience, over 2m newspaper readers, over 300,000 on social media 8% of adult population reached 11 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Participants at the ‘Ireland and the Nordic-Baltic 8: Working Together for a Secure, Sustainable and Digital Europe’ event © Phil Behan / DFAT Ireland and the Nordic-Baltic 8: Working Together for a Secure, Sustainable and Digital Europe On 25 October, Iveagh House was the venue for the conference ‘Ireland and the Nordic-Baltic 8: Working Together for a Secure, Sustainable and Digital Europe’.
This brought together leading experts from across Ireland and the Nordic-Baltic states (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden) to explore new security challenges, the digital agenda, a more sustainable economy, and the prospects for further enhancing wider political, cultural, social and environmental connections between Ireland and the Nordic-Baltic states.
Co-hosted by the Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, together with the Institute of International and European Aﬀairs (IIEA), and the Ambassadors of the Nordic-Baltic states accredited to Ireland, the conference underscored Ireland’s shared values, challenges and opportunities with our neighbours across northern Europe.
12 ‘Ireland and the Nordic-Baltic 8: Working Together for a Secure, Sustainable and Digital Europe’ event booklet © Phil Behan / DFAT 2019 Annual Report 70th Anniversary of the Council of Europe 10th Anniversary of the Eastern Partnership To mark the 70th anniversary of the Council of Europe, accepted an invitation to visit Dublin.
The Commissioner made courtesy calls on the Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade and the Department of Justice and Equality, and held a substantive meeting with President Higgins in Áras an Uachtaráin on 30 May.

Later, at the Royal Irish Academy, the Commissioner delivered a speech to guests attending the high-level forum entitled ‘Ireland and the Council of Europe: 70 Years of Human Rights - the Challenges and the Future’.
The Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, in association with European Movevement Ireland and under the auspices of the Romanian Presidency, held an event to mark the 10th anniversary of the EU’s Eastern Partnership mechanism on 11 June.

Diplomatic representatives from the Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine) were invited to speak, with Minister of State for European Aﬀairs, Helen McEntee, T.D., providing the keynote address.
The event was an opportunity for speakers and attendees from across the diplomatic corps and civil society to take stock of the Partnership’s progress and consider beyond 2020. hÉireann Michael D. Higgins during her visit to Dublin to mark the 70th anniversary of the Council of Europe © Áras an Uachtaráin Diplomatic representatives from Partnership countries marking the 10th anniversary of the EU’s Eastern Partnership mechanism © DFAT members of the local Irish community were present – was a real highlight.
The visit of Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe to Frankfurt in November 2019 is also something I look back on fondly.

I was very happy about the great opportunity to attend a two-day workshop to meet colleagues at the Embassy in Berlin in November.

I previously worked with the Australian and I got this job – in October 2019 - I was really excited to work for Ireland and in an English-speaking and international environment again.

What I like about it is the variety: no two days are the same.
MARTINA KLINGBEIL-SADOWSKI Frankfurt administration, assistance in events, the organisation of meetings with local and state government representatives as well as some consular and translation work.

2019 – when Ambassador Nicholas O’Brien and Frankfurt is something very special – I consider it a real honour.
13 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Advancing Ireland– UK & North-South Relations 14 2019 Annual Report Northern Ireland- Advancing North-South and East-West Relations Throughout 2019, the Irish and UK Governments continued to support and facilitate talks on the formation of a new Executive and resumption of the North South Ministerial Council.
Following the tragic killing of the journalist Lyra McKee on 18 April, the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D.

and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to immediately convene a focused multiparty talks process.

A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference was also held on 8 May.
At this meeting, to maintaining and strengthening East-West relations following Brexit, further strengthening security cooperation to bring to an end all forms of paramilitarism, implementing the Stormont House Agreement on dealing with the past in Northern Ireland.

Also discussed were rights and citizenship issues along with a commitment to making the most rapid possible progress on political talks.
Negotiating working groups on the key issues were held through the following months with a view to reaching agreement.

The two Governments chaired the talks Following the general election in the UK, the Tánaiste and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland immediately resumed intensive talks.
This process was paused on 19 December, with the Tánaiste and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland making clear that in their view that there was a basis for agreement, and pledging to bring the process to a rapid and successful conclusion in the New Year.

North South Ministerial Council and North-South Cooperation The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Joint Secretariat hosted its annual Cross-Border Schools January.
Seven schools from the local areas, North and South, participated in the event, which focused on the students aged 16-17 in attendance.

The event was run in co-operation with the PSNI and An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

The NSMC Joint Secretariat hosted an event at the Palace Demesne in Armagh on 2 December to mark its 20th anniversary.
Representatives from the North- South Implementation Bodies and from Irish Government and Northern Ireland Executive Departments attended, as well as local civic and religious representatives.
North South Ministerial Council 20th anniversary event © NSMC Joint Secretariat 15 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in 2019 © Noel Mullen British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference and Parliamentary Assembly In early May, the British-Irish Intergovernmental Its focus was on East-West Matters, Economic Cooperation, Security Cooperation, Legacy, Rights and Citizenship Matters and Political Stability.
The British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly had plenary sessions in Wicklow in May and in Warwickshire in October.

These worked on Climate Action Measures, Brexit and UK-Irish Relations.

16 British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in 2019 © Noel Mullen 2019 Annual Report Commemorations and British-Irish Relations President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins visited Birmingham and Liverpool in February.
In Liverpool, the President and HRH The Prince of Wales became joint patrons of the Institute of Irish Studies at the University of Liverpool.

In May, HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall visited Ireland.

Their visit included a programme at the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.

In June, the Taoiseach attended the 32nd British Irish Council Summit in Manchester.

He also opened the ESB CEO Roundtable with Irish companies in the Northern Powerhouse region.
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins, HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall DENISE HANRAHAN renewal of our diplomatic presence in Wales, at a time of key strategic importance for East-West relations, is already enabling the strengthening and deepening of the existing strong ties between us.
The unique historic bond between Wales and Ireland is rooted in our shared history and heritage, across every sphere of life - culture, community, our presence, building our networks, and creating a strong team to deliver on our ambition of identifying new opportunities while showcasing and deepening the strong political, economic and cultural links across the Irish Sea.

17 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D.
18 at the 13th DFAT Reconciliation Networking Forum © Julien Behal / DFAT 2019 Annual Report Celtic Connection In February, the Department hosted ‘Celtic Connection’ a roundtable dialogue on developing a post-Brexit partnership between the higher education & research sectors of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, organised by the British Irish Chamber of Commerce with the support of the Scottish and Welsh Government representatives in Ireland.
There was agreement among participants on the need to enable academic-to-academic collaboration and support sector-based mobility so as to sustain productive working relationships challenged by Brexit.

Ireland-Scotland Bilateral Review The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, and his Scottish counterpart Fiona Hyslop MSP launched the joint bilateral review of Irish-Scottish relations in November.
The aim of the review was to consolidate existing ties and to unlock the further potential of the Irish-Scottish relationship.

Working jointly on a bilateral for the Department.

The review focused on areas within Scotland’s devolved competence.

The Department’s British-Irish Relations section jointly developed an online questionnaire for stakeholder engagement with Scottish counterparts, which launched.
A report of the review will Reconciliation Networking Forum On 5 March, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade delivered the keynote address at the 13th DFAT Reconciliation Networking Forum held in the Convention Centre in Dublin.

The Forum brought together over 180 representatives of organisations supported by the Reconciliation Fund.

At the Forum, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade pledged to maintain the new increased annual budget of the Fund at €3.7 million.
This funding allowed support to be given to the work of 175 organisations in 2019.

Belfast Chamber of Commerce Speech On 23 October, following the agreement between the EU and UK on the Withdrawal Agreement, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade gave a keynote speech at the Annual Lunch of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce.
Alongside Dublin Chamber President Niall Gibbons and Belfast Chamber Chief Executive Simon Hamilton, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade discussed ‘Boosting Business Links Between Belfast and Dublin’.
Reconciliation Networking Forum Panel Discussion © Julien Behal / DFAT 19 19 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Building Global Ireland 20 2019 Annual Report Civil Service Excellence Award: Expansion of Ireland’s Diplomatic Network In 2019, the Department won a Civil Service Excellence in Innovation Award under the ‘Excellence in Policy Making and Implementation’ category for our work on the expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic network.
The team responsible for the expansion includes over 80 people working across 18 business units at Headquarters supported by over 13 existing diplomatic missions overseas.

The project team works closely with colleagues in the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the State Agencies (Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland), and the broader Civil Service, to deliver the ambitious expansion programme under the Global Ireland 2025 initiative.
The project is delivering the largest expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic network in the history of the State and, appropriately, the expansion in 2019 coincided with envoy abroad in February 1919.

Since 2018, the team have opened new diplomatic missions in Monrovia, Wellington, Vancouver, Bogotá, Mumbai, Amman, Santiago, Cardiﬀ, Los Angeles and Frankfurt.
The new missions are already deepening Ireland’s impact abroad, growing our trade and inward investment, supporting the work of the State Agencies, strengthening and expanding our strategic political engagement, promoting Ireland’s values abroad, contributing to Ireland’s UN Security Council campaign, exploring new opportunities in humanitarian and development partnerships, playing a more active role in supporting and promoting a rules based international environment, and supporting Irish citizens and our diaspora abroad.
DFAT Team at the Civil Service Excellence Awards, 2019 © DPER 21 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Expansion of Ireland’s Diplomatic Network © DFAT Global Ireland Schools The Global Ireland Schools programme, launched in December 2018, is a collaboration between the Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Defence, and the Defence Forces.
The programme sees Irish diplomats and members of the Defence Forces who have served on UN Peacekeeping Missions visit secondary schools around the country to talk with students about the Global Ireland 2025 programme and their work overseas.

In 2019, diplomats and peacekeepers visited 44 secondary schools across 19 counties.

a copy of the Preamble of the UN Charter.


The programme allows for a greater understanding of how UN membership has been central to our foreign policy and played a contributions to peacekeeping, international development, human rights and disarmament – and how we will continue to contribute in the future.

The 2019 school visits focused on Ireland’s candidature for a seat on the UN Security Council.
Preparations for EXPO 2020 Ambassador Barbara Jones visits Colaiste Bride in January 2019 © DFAT 22 2019 Annual Report Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason visits Drogheda Grammar School in January 2019 © Phil Behan / DFAT 23 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade The Department’s Expo team worked closely with colleagues across Government and the public sector to plan Ireland’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai under the theme ‘Ireland, Island of Inspiration’.

broke ground at the site.


Inspired by the megalithic lightbox at Newgrange, the pavilion is a fusion of Western and Eastern architecture.

Work also began on the design of a permanent exhibition to be housed inside the pavilion.

The exhibition will use projection techniques to create an immersive experience that tells Ireland’s inspirational 5000-year story from Neolithic times to today’s Global Ireland.
In October, the Department issued a global Open Call to individuals and organisations for content, activities and events to be part of Ireland’s Expo programme.

Almost 100 proposals were received, and successful applicants will deliver their work at the Irish pavilion in Dubai.

primary focus, fostering economic, cultural, educational and tourism ties with the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.

Ireland at Expo 2020 Dubai.


The Irish Pavilion will showcase Ireland to a global audience as an island of inspiration, with a long history of ingenuity, imagination and innovation.

Expo will not only bring the international community together to showcase their creativity and potential: it is also an opportunity to strengthen Ireland’s bilateral relationship with the UAE, an important partner and home to a large Irish community, Ireland engagement, led by Embassy Abu Dhabi.
ANITA KELLY Expo 2020 Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

A native of Kerry, I joined the Department in 2017.
As Deputy Head of Mission at Ireland’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi, trade and economic issues are my 24 2019 Annual Report Irish Pavillion - Illustration for EXPO 2020 © DFAT 25 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Ireland at the United Nations 26 2019 Annual Report Ireland’s United Nations Security Council Campaign UN Commission on the Status of Women Ireland’s deep commitment to multilateralism was in evidence throughout 2019 in our action at the United Nations.
In a wide range of areas, Ireland’s UN Team, led by Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, played leadership roles, demonstrating the values of empathy, partnership and independence which underpin our campaign for election to the UN Security Council for the 2021-22 term.
In September, Ireland had an unprecedented level of engagement at the UN’s High-Level Week, with participation from President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Simon Coveney, together with a further six Ministers and Ministers of State.
Ireland’s representatives engaged on a broad range of issues, including climate action, counter- terrorism, and challenges facing Small Island Developing States, as well as delivering Ireland’s annual statement to the UN General Assembly, and meeting bilaterally with some 90 countries.

The Irish naval vessel LÉ Samuel Beckett also visited New York, highlighting Ireland’s unrivalled record in peacekeeping.
In March, as Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Ireland enabled 193 countries to agree far-reaching commitments on social protection systems, access to public services, and sustainable infrastructure, in order to support the empowerment of women and girls globally.

The successful conclusion of CSW marked the completion of Ireland’s two-year term as Chair of the Commission.
Through active leadership and meaningful engagement from the Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade and the Department of Justice and Equality - enhanced Ireland’s reputation as a country committed to multilateralism, gender equality and human rights.

Ireland’s UN Security Council campaign logo © DFAT Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason addressing the Opening Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in March 2019 © UN Photo / Evan Schneider campaign, which infuses all aspects of work at PMUN.
I aim to understand the positions and motivations of the 192 other UN Members and to attending as many events at the UN as humanly possible.

Gathering information allows me to advise on campaign strategy, and targets for further engagement at ambassadorial or political level.

High-level visits are critical for the campaign and I have responsibility for scheduling bilateral meetings for the President, Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Ministers during the UN’s High-Level week in September.
Such policies and values that underpin Ireland’s bid for EOGHAN MCSWINEY of Ireland to the United Nations, New York elections to all UN bodies, provide recommendations to headquarters on Ireland’s votes, and seek arrangements for reciprocal support.
However, 27 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Peace, Security and Human Rights 28 2019 Annual Report Human Rights As the promotion and protection of human rights is at the core of our foreign policy, Ireland is committed to addressing human rights issues in our bilateral relations with other countries, through our membership of the EU and via our mission network.
Ireland has long championed human rights defenders, as well as advocating for open and inclusive civil society space, and continues to advance these and other priorities through bilateral contacts and in international fora.

Ireland’s adherence to international human rights treaties includes the responsibility to regularly report on how they are being implemented.

In September, Ireland submitted and Political Rights to the UN Human Rights Committee.
In December, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) examined Ireland’s progress in this area.

The Irish delegation led by Minister of State, David Stanton T.D., outlined Ireland’s strong commitment to promoting integration and combating racism in all its forms.
Ireland’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights aims to promote at a national level the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Right, a global standard for preventing and addressing risks of adverse impacts on human rights due to business activity.

The NAP’s Implementation Group met on three occasions in 2019, and three sub-groups were set up to advance work under three key pillars: Access to Remedy, Corporate Responsibility and State Duty to Respect.
A baseline assessment of the legislative and regulatory framework on business and human rights in Ireland was completed in March.

Ireland remained extremely active at the Human Rights Council during 2019, delivering 57 national statements and co-sponsoring over 65 resolutions.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D., attended the high level segment in February emphasising Ireland’s strong support to the Council, its mechanisms and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
At the June session, Ireland organised a side-event on civil society space, continuing its prioritisation of the issue.

At the Human Rights Council in September, Ireland, together with its core group partners, led on resolutions on the human rights situation in Yemen and condemning reprisals against human rights defenders.

An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Simon Coveney T.D.
attends the Inaugural Meeting the Business and Human Rights Implementation Group in Iveagh House, January 2019 © Phil Behan / DFAT 29 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade In June, Ireland’s third National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) was launched by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D.

The NAP forms a central element of Ireland’s broader commitment to gender equality.

Our new development policy, A Better World, strengthens this engagement.
An Oversight Group for this NAP was appointed by the Tánaiste made up of eight with an independent Chair, Ms Nora Owen.

During Women Peace and Security (WPS) Week in October, Ireland co-hosted a side event on the lessons, approaches and strategies for eﬀectively implementing and advancing UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and the WPS Agenda from grassroots to global level.
The event focused on the importance of implementing the WPS Agenda as we approach the 20th anniversary of UNSCR 1325 in 2020.

Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Maynooth University, organised a seminar to discuss perspectives on peacebuilding including the UN’s Sustaining Peace Agenda.

Permanent Representatives from over 30 UN Member States took part, along with other key policymakers from Ireland and the UN.

regional and leading civil society organisations in the area of international peace and security.
In 2019, Ireland provided approximately €6.9 million in Stability Funding to 55 such partner organisations across the globe.

Oversight Group of the third National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security © Phil Behan / DFAT 30 2019 Annual Report Security © Phil Behan / DFAT Disarmament The use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA) causes damage to critical infrastructure including hospitals and schools, which has long-term impacts for communities.
In 2019, following several years of international discussion, Ireland began a series of open consultations aiming to agree a political declaration on EWIPA.

Ireland also led a joint statement supported by 71 states on EWIPA at the UN General Assembly.

nuclear disarmament.

In 2019, the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Act was enacted in order to give eﬀect to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
The EU conducts civilian and military missions around the world under its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

Ireland contributes to such missions as part of our commitment to the maintenance of peace and the UN Charter.

EU civilian missions were a particular focus in 2019, after the European Council adopted the Civilian CSDP Compact which aims to make the EU more eﬀective and capable in this area.
In September, participants from © Phil Behan / DFAT EU Member States, EU institutions, missions and think tanks gathered in Iveagh House in Dublin for a two-day workshop on implementing the Compact.

Implementation Plan at the Civilian Compact Annual Review Conference in Brussels.

The plan commits Ireland to doubling its footprint in civilian missions by 2023, among other objectives.
By the end of 2019, the Department had already deployed additional border monitors, coast guard advisors and experts, to missions in Georgia and Somalia.

Irish Coast Guard Director Christopher Reynolds was appointed head of EUCAP Somalia, which advises and trains the Somali maritime security sector.

Chris is the CSDP mission.
Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Michael Gaﬀey, was nominated for Arms Control Person of the Year 2018, placing second overall © UNCTAD 31 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Ambassador Orla Tunney speaking at ‘From Ambitions to Outcomes: a Workshop on Strengthening Civilian CSDP’ in Iveagh House © Phil Behan / DFAT 32 2019 Annual Report 33 Irish Personnel Seconded to Civilian CSDP Missions © DFAT Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Ireland and the Middle East At the invitation of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, a group of Arab and European Foreign Ministers met in Dublin on 18 -19 February for an informal discussion on the Middle East Peace Process.
In addition to the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Ministers from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Jordan, Spain and Sweden were present, as was the Secretary General of the Arab League.

Following two days of productive discussions, the Ministers emphasised their support for a comprehensive peace process which meets the legitimate rights and aspirations of both parties: the right of Palestinians to freedom and statehood and the right of Israelis to security and regional acceptance.
The participants reiterated their support for every credible eﬀort to commence formal negotiations.

An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D.

hosts Foreign Ministers and Secretary General of 34 2019 Annual Report International Law The Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade is responsible for handling international agreements to which the State becomes party.
To facilitate teaching, study, dissemination and wider appreciation of international law, it is the Department’s practice to publish the international agreements to which the State becomes a party in the Irish Treaty Series, available on our website.

In 2019, 21 agreements entered into force with respect to Ireland and these will be published in the Irish Treaty Series in early 2020.
2019 saw the Government, in partnership with the Dublin Dispute Resolution Centre, enter into a Host Country Agreement with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

The Agreement provides the basis for high level international arbitration to take place in Ireland.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D., welcomed the Agreement: “Ireland has a huge amount to oﬀer as a venue for international arbitration.

Our legal system is highly respected internationally.
Post-Brexit we will be the only fully common law, English- speaking country in the EU.

We also transport links that make Ireland very accessible from Europe, North America - Simon Coveney T.D.

Established at the First Hague Peace Conference in 1899, the PCA is the oldest global institution for the settlement of international disputes.

The PCA oﬀers a wide range of services for the resolution of international disputes.
This includes inter-state disputes as well as disputes between states and private parties.

The Host Country Agreement was signed in Dublin on 5 March at an event attended by the PCA Secretary- General, Hugo Siblesz.
PCA Secretary General Hugo Siblesz speaking at the signing event for the Host Country Agreement in Dublin © Julien Behal/DFAT 35 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Working for A Better World 36 2019 Annual Report the initiative aims to strengthen developing countries’ tax administrative capacity and supports countries to raise revenue fairly and eﬀectively while also promoting good governance.
Ireland’s long-term support of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) was recognised at the 2019 General Assembly of ATAF, where Ireland was awarded a ‘Most Valued Development Partner’ award.

Launch of A Better World A Better World, Ireland’s Policy for International Development, was launched in February, by Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D., Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D.
and Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon, commitment within the Government’s Global Ireland 2025 international development policy and programme.

A Better World updates Ireland’s traditional focus on ‘the poorest of the poor’ to realise the central pledge of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to reach ‘the resources and capacity across four policy priorities: gender equality, reducing humanitarian need, climate action, and strengthening governance.
It also commits to intensifying work in three intervention clusters where Ireland has expertise: protection, food and people.

A Better World sets the strategic direction for Ireland’s development cooperation, our input at a global level to deliver on the SDGs by 2030, and to maximising our contribution to a more peaceful, equal and sustainable world.
Work is well underway to implement the new policy, cross-government Domestic Resource Mobilisation Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, the Department action, good governance and combatting poverty © Phil Behan / DFAT As the Social Protection Policy Lead in the Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, my focus is on expanding social protection coverage for the poorest people in the world.
I prioritise support for social protection systems strengthening in fragile contexts and enhancing links across humanitarian assistance and social protection, which are crucial to providing assistance to vulnerable and crisis- aﬀected people.
To ensure that our social protection work informs and is guided by international best practise, I am active in a number of global social protection bodies, including the Social Protection Inter-Agency AILEEN O’DONOVAN Development Specialist Eﬀective social protection policies and programmes contribute to more equal, just and fairer societies.

protection programmes in Africa, which reached up to eight million people annually.

on Policy Dialogue for Social Protection and Development.
I also chair the EU Social Protection Development Group.

37 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Our Ocean Wealth Summit in 2019 © Julien Behal / DFAT International Conference on Population and Development Summit Ireland’s delegation to the International Conference on Population and Development Summit in Nairobi was led by Minister Katherine Zappone and included youth and Irish civil society (funded by the Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade).
Ireland also provided €350,000 to support Least Developed Countries to participate.

The Summit secured over 1,250 commitments focused on meeting the ‘three zeros’ of zero unmet need for contraception; zero preventable maternal deaths; and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.
A Strategy for Engagement with Small Island Developing States In June, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D., launched a Government Strategy for Partnership with Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The Strategy’s objective was to strengthen Ireland’s support for, and engagement with, this important global constituency across four major policy priorities: gender equality, reducing humanitarian need, climate action, and governance.
It outlined a holistic approach to deepening Ireland’s relationships with SIDS, building on diplomatic, bilateral, multilateral, and international development links, and fostering closer bonds between our peoples.

The document was launched in the presence of SIDS representatives at the Our Ocean Wealth conference in Cork.

As part of Ireland’s new SIDS Strategy, a €12 million Trust Fund with the Asian Development Bank to assist SIDS in tackling climate change was launched in Fiji in May.
38 2019 Annual Report Launch of Ireland’s Africa Strategy Ireland’s Strategy for Africa to 2025, launched in November 2019, sets out an ambitious strategic approach to the continent of Africa, encompassing political, economic, cultural and development relations, placing partnership at the heart of Ireland’s engagement.
Building on Ireland’s traditional engagement with Africa, including commitment to working with Africa to achieve peace, prosperity and sustainable development, in line with Ireland’s international development policy, A Better World.

The Strategy brings a renewed impetus to supporting sustainable economic growth through boosting trade and investment ties with Africa, and supports an eﬀective and ambitious EU-Africa partnership.
It commits to expanding our presence in North and West Africa, including through the opening of three new Embassies by 2025.

Ireland’s Africa Strategy © DFAT 39 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Group photo at the OECD meeting with Minister for European Aﬀairs Helen McEntee T.D.

© DFAT Humanitarian Eﬀorts 2019 saw record levels of humanitarian need around the drivers of crises.

These trends also led to growing levels of displacement, with record numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons.
Ireland continued to respond generously, targeting our funding towards the most severe crises occurring in Yemen, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia.
Ireland also led discussions on improving the international community’s ability to respond to crises, including by chairing the Donor Support Groups of the UN During 2019, Ireland served as the donor chair of the Task Team on Civil Society Organisations’ Development Eﬀectiveness and Enabling Environment, with meetings in Paris, Nairobi and Dublin.

Keynote addresses were delivered by Minister of State for European Aﬀairs, Helen McEntee T.D.
during the OECD-Task Team Civil Society Week in Paris in June and by Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Aﬀairs and Digital Development Seán Canney T.D.

during the UN’s High-level Political Forum in New York in July.

In November, Ireland hosted Civil Society Week in Dublin, where Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development Ciarán Cannon T.D.
welcomed civil society, partner countries and donors from over 30 countries from all and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

best to support and strengthen civil society.

Working with Civil Society Ireland and Africa Partnership with civil society remains a key element of Ireland’s overseas development programme.

In 2019, the Civil Society Development Education Unit supported the work of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with over €85 million in Irish Aid grants.
This funding was used to support education, social protection, health, agriculture, governance and human rights programmes in over 70 developing countries.

The funding was provided through a range of multi-annual competitive funding 2019 saw a number of high-level political visits between Ireland and Africa, which provided an opportunity to enhance bilateral engagement with our African partners and further our economic, trade, political, cultural, and people-to-people links.
Visits from Ireland also provided the opportunity to engage with our diaspora on the African continent and to review progress and results from our development cooperation programmes in Africa.

working in overseas development.

40 2019 Annual Report 41 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Ireland and the Americas 42 2019 Annual Report North America Ireland’s relationship with the United States and Canada is one of unique strength and historical importance.
The Irish diaspora in the region number some 40 million people, and the US and Canada combined represent Ireland’s largest trading partner.

In 2019, the Department took concrete steps to build on our commitments, as set out in the Global Ireland 2025 initiative, to further strengthen Ireland’s presence in North America.
In February, the Tánaiste visited Washington, D.C., during which time he spoke at the US launch of the Global Ireland Strategy for the United States and Canada 2019–2025 during the Congressional Friends of Ireland reception was launched in Canada in March by Minister for Communications, Climate Action, and the Environment Richard Bruton T.D.

as part of the St. Patrick’s Day programme there.


The Strategy is ambitious in its goals, in the region through strong political and diaspora partnerships and promotion of our culture and reputation, relationship approaching 1 trillion USD by 2025.

The US and Canada Strategy is available on our website.

One of the core pillars of the Strategy, doubling the impact of a Government-led ‘Team Ireland’, was showcased by the opening this year of a new Consulate General (CG) in Los Angeles.
Our CG in Los Angeles aims to amplify Ireland’s strong reputation for creative talent by strategic partnerships with the local entertainment industry, a goal underlined by the Taoiseach’s high-level meetings with Disney, dinner, which took place during the September visit.

BARRY GUIHEN in Los Angeles Angeles, which is part of the plan to double the impact of ‘Team Ireland’ across our expanding network of missions.
It was inaugurated by the Taoiseach in September, and the ceremony was attended by the Mayor of LA, and guests from Ireland’s creative and cultural communities in the city.

Despite opening late in 2019, it was a very busy institutions, businesses and communities of the South West US, and I was fortunate to be able to attend events, not only in Los Angeles, but in San Diego and Phoenix, Arizona also.
I am incredibly grateful for the welcome that we received on our arrival, and am looking forward to helping further 43 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Latin America and the Caribbean 2019 was a pivotal year for Ireland’s relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, with new mission openings and the number of high-level engagements marking a true step-change in our engagement with the region.
New embassies were established in Santiago, Chile, and Bogotá, Colombia, taking the total number of diplomatic missions in Latin America and the Caribbean from four to six.

Linked to this, Ireland also formally established diplomatic relations with a number of countries 2019 saw a comprehensive ministerial programme of visits to the region to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy T.D.
visited Chile and Argentina, Minister of State for Disability Issues Finian McGrath T.D.

travelled to Mexico and Cuba, Ceann Comhairle Sean Ó Fearghaíl T.D.

visited Brazil, and Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection Pat Breen T.D.

was in Colombia and Uruguay.

2019 also held in Cuba and Uruguay.


Our Staﬀ at the Irish Embassy in Santiago © Embassy of Ireland in Chile / DFAT Our Staﬀ at the Irish Embassy in Bogotá © Embassy of Ireland in Colombia / DFAT Minister of State Finian McGrath T.D.

during his 2019 St. Patrick’s Day visit to Havana, Cuba © Embassy of Ireland in Mexico / DFAT 44 Colombia in 2019 © Embassy of Ireland in Colombia / DFAT 2019 Annual Report The President of Cuba, H.E.
Miguel Díaz-Canel, paid an a visit by President Michael D. Higgins to Cuba in 2017.

The context of the visit was the 20th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between Ireland and Cuba.

ceremony and meeting with the President at Áras an Uachtaráin, and a courtesy call on the Taoiseach.

visit to Ireland by a Colombian Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs with the visit of Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs, Carlos Holmes Trujillo.
The visit included an inaugural round of political consultations between Ireland and Colombia and was an opportunity to engage further on lesson-sharing and the peace process in Colombia.

In October 2019, Mr Rodrigo Maia, Speaker of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies met with the President Ireland from Brazil for many years.
Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo Garcia with An Tánaiste and a bilateral meeting © Phil Behan / DFAT CIARA DE MORA in Bogotá The breadth and variety of the work of the Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade is one of the main reasons I chose to join in 2017.

Nowhere is it more visible, at least to me, than in my current role as Deputy Head of Mission in Embassy Bogotá.
The Embassy was established in early 2019 and I work as part of a dynamic team to build our relationship with implementation, including through our contribution to two trust funds and a lesson sharing exchange on Northern Ireland.

I also act as political counsellor, cover human rights, development and humanitarian issues and lead on Venezuela.

bilateral relations and multilateral processes, particularly at EU and UN bodies, plays out.
The impact of discussions in human rights bodies milestones such as the 20th anniversary of Women, Peace and Security Resolution 1325 in 2020 and new membership of organisations such discussions open spaces for us to strengthen our 45 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade In early 2019, Mexico’s Minister of Public Education Esteban Moctezuma visited Dublin on a two-day programme to learn more about Ireland’s model of education.
The visit resulted in greater bilateral cooperation in the area of teacher training as 100 newly graduated trainee teachers travelled to Ireland in August 2019 for a three-week training programme in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.
San Patricio Scholars in the garden of Iveagh House © Phil Behan / DFAT President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel visiting President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin as part of his state visit to Ireland © Phil Behan / DFAT 46 2019 Annual Report 47 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Promoting Ireland’s Prosperity 48 2019 Annual Report St. Patrick’s Day 2019 St. Patrick’s Day 2019 An unrivalled opportunity to focus attention on Ireland, An unrivalled opportunity to focus attention on Ireland, promote our economic interests overseas and connect promote our economic interests overseas and connect with the Irish diaspora with the Irish diaspora 1,796 1,796 events in total hosted or events in total hosted or supported by Ireland’s Embassy supported by Ireland’s Embassy network network 816 816 The diplomatic mission network hosted or supported events events in Europe in Europe 1,796 events for St. Patrick’s Day, including 501 community and cultural events, 215 dedicated business 131 131 events and 172 high-level political meetings.
310 310 539 539 events in events in events events in the in the Americas Americas events in events in Africa & Africa & Middle-East Middle-East 116 116 cities cities 56 56 countries countries Promote Irish exports, tourism, Promote Irish exports, tourism, education and inward investment education and inward investment St. Patrick’s Day 2019 also provided an opportunity to underline Ireland’s place in Europe against the background of Brexit, with all 27 EU capitals receiving a visit.
215 215 In addition, a record 470 sites in 55 countries around the world turned green for St. Patrick’s Day as part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening.
Highlights in this tenth year of Members of the Government, the Ceann Members of the Government, the Ceann Comhairle, and Cathaoirleach promoted Comhairle, and Cathaoirleach promoted Irish economic interests in 116 cities in Irish economic interests in 116 cities in 56 countries 56 countries 215 dedicated business events were 215 dedicated business events were organised worldwide attended by organised worldwide attended by over 9,970 business executives over 9,970 business executives 470 470 Burj Khalifa in Dubai - the world’s tallest building - and of With support from the Embassy network, some 470 iconic With support from the Embassy network, some 470 iconic buildings and landmarks in 55 countries around the world Victoria Falls in Zambia.
The mission network, working buildings and landmarks in 55 countries around the world went green as part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening, went green as part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening, Campaign, which celebrated its tenth year in 2019.

Campaign, which celebrated its tenth year in 2019. closely with Tourism Ireland, was instrumental in ensuring that greenings took place on every continent.
Tell the world how Ireland’s doing Tell the world how Ireland’s doing 172 172 High-level High-level political meetings political meetings 1,153 1,153 Articles about Ireland Articles about Ireland published in print and published in print and online online WORLD WORLD NEWS NEWS Ireland ranked 1st Ireland ranked 1st and adaptability of and adaptability of workforce and worker workforce and worker productivity productivity Ireland experienced Ireland experienced continued solid continued solid economic growth with economic growth with 5.6% real GDP growth 5.6% real GDP growth in 2019 in 2019 Ireland is and will Ireland is and will remain a dedicated remain a dedicated member of the member of the European Union European Union Connect with the Irish diaspora Connect with the Irish diaspora 501 501 Some 501 community and cultural events Some 501 community and cultural events organised or supported by the Embassy network organised or supported by the Embassy network www.dfa.ie | @dfatIRL www.dfa.ie | @dfatIRL St. Patrick’s Day 2019 St. Patrick’s Day is one of the world’s best-known national holidays.
Ireland’s network of more than 80 diplomatic missions uses the celebrations to share our culture, history, and values with the world.

Operating through this network and with the support of the State Agencies, the Department develops a programme of activities and celebrations to promote trade, investment and tourism and to enhance Ireland’s visibility and reputation internationally.
Over the St. Patrick’s Day period in 2019, the mission network co-ordinated and supported visits by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, along with 13 Ministers, 19 Ministers of State, the Attorney General, the Ceann Comhairle and the Cathaoirleach.

They visited 116 cities in 56 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the and Irish business.
St. Patrick’s Day 2019 An unrivalled opportunity to focus attention on Ireland, promote our economic interests overseas and connect with the Irish diaspora An unrivalled opportunity to focus attention on Ireland, promote our economic interests overseas and connect with the Irish diaspora St. Patrick’s Day 2019 1,796 1,796 events in total hosted or supported by Ireland’s Embassy network events in total hosted or supported by Ireland’s Embassy network 816 events in Europe 539 events in the Americas 816 131 events in Europe events in Africa & Middle-East 310 events in 310 events in events in the Americas 539 Promote Irish exports, tourism, education and inward investment events in Africa & Middle-East 131 Promote Irish exports, tourism, education and inward investment 116 cities 215 56 116 countries cities 215 Members of the Government, the Ceann 56 Comhairle, and Cathaoirleach promoted Irish economic interests in 116 cities in countries 56 countries 215 dedicated business events were organised worldwide attended by over 9,970 business executives Members of the Government, the Ceann Comhairle, and Cathaoirleach promoted Irish economic interests in 116 cities in 56 countries With support from the Embassy network, some 470 iconic 215 dedicated business events were buildings and landmarks in 55 countries around the world organised worldwide attended by went green as part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening, over 9,970 business executives Campaign, which celebrated its tenth year in 2019.
With support from the Embassy network, some 470 iconic buildings and landmarks in 55 countries around the world went green as part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening, Campaign, which celebrated its tenth year in 2019.
470 470 Tell the world how Ireland’s doing Tell the world how Ireland’s doing St Patrick’s Day, 2019 © DFAT High-level political meetings 172 172 High-level political meetings 1,153 1,153 Articles about Ireland published in print and online Articles about Ireland published in print and online Ireland ranked 1st Ireland experienced continued solid Ireland is and will remain a dedicated WORLD NEWS WORLD NEWS 49 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade The Rugby World Cup Project was a cross-government initiative to deliver consular support to Irish rugby fans in Japan, further Ireland-Japan bilateral ties through a series of high-level political visits, and to maximise the promotional opportunities for Ireland in Japan during the tournament.
Highlights of the project included visits to Japan by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross T.D.

and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys T.D.

and videos by the Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade and state agencies promoting Irish food and drink, education, tourism, and trade and investment, which were viewed millions of times on Japanese social media.
An estimated 25,000 Irish fans travelled to Japan for the Rugby World Cup, greatly furthering Ireland-Japan people-to- people links.
2019 Rugby World Cup- Ireland’s Impact Cooperation by 5 32 million impressions state bodies and agencies: 3 social media channels Facebook Twitter Youtube 9.8 million video views 4-minute video: 4.2 million views 14.5 million impressions Short videos on the 6 pillars 5.6 million views and 17.5 million impressions Overview 23% Visit Ireland 20% 20% Irish Trade Study in Ireland 17% Taste 10% Study in Ireland 10% 50 2019 Annual Report Hangzhou and Nanjing came to Ireland, and twenty agencies travelled to China.
© Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ireland Ireland and China marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2019, through an innovative and exciting programme of events.

To kick oﬀ the year, the Department, in collaboration with the Ireland China Institute, hosted an event in Iveagh House in October, while the Chinese Embassy in Dublin hosted a reception in the Convention Centre in June.
The Department also sponsored the publication of a book titled China and the Irish Volume II, while An Post commemorate the occasion.

People-to-people links are an important element of our Programme, established in 2002, plays an essential role in building and maintaining these links.

This exchange Ireland and China © DFAT 51 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D.
attended the 14th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Madrid on 15-16 December.

The biannual meeting is an important opportunity for Ireland to engage at a senior political level with Asian countries at the only intergovernmental forum between Asia and Europe.

ASEM is comprised of 51 countries, plus the Secretariat of ASEAN and the EU.
The Tánaiste’s remarks underlined the importance of eﬀective multilateralism, the role of women and gender plenary session, and the points he raised were echoed by In 2019, the Embassy of Ireland in Singapore supported the Botanical Fusion project.

The project saw Irish artist Gerard Byrne paint in residence at the iconic Singapore Botanic Gardens for a four-week period.

His work was then displayed in the gardens for over half a million locals and tourists to admire.
The new works that Gerard Byrne produced during his time as Artist-in-Residence represent a unique rendering of the colour and atmosphere of the Tropics through the prism of a great Irish talent.

The initiative successfully linked Ireland and Singapore in a beautiful and creative way.

the Chair’s Statement, which was the main outcome of the meeting.
SANGDO CHUN I joined Embassy Seoul in November 1990, just one previous twelve years, I had served in the Republic of Korea Army, in a variety of roles including as Aide de we have come to be more than colleagues, indeed more like a family.

The bond between co-workers is a very important part of life in Korea.

In my time in the Embassy, Korea has changed so much and so fast, becoming a major economy.

The Embassy has in that time worked hard to build with Korea.

The Irish community has grown in size.


The Embassy too has changed.

We are now Ireland House and the sense of family I mentioned includes our very committed colleagues in the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, and, of course, the staﬀ from HQ.

I have enjoyed working with all the staﬀ posted here from HQ down the years.

All have made their mark.


My time in the army shaped my sense of loyalty and belief in the importance of protocol, and these have guided in my time in the Embassy – I will be celebrating 30 years’ service later this year.

I am not the only long-serving member of local staﬀ.

In fact, three of the four local staﬀ members have been with the Embassy over 20 years.

Through all the years, We had a busy and productive year in 2019.
As well as the work of keeping the administration of the Embassy running, I assisted in the preparations for the St. Patrick’s Day Ministerial Visit, the Ministerial Agri-Food Trade Mission in June 2019, and the visit by the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills.
52 2019 Annual Report Irish artist Gerard Byrne, painter in residence at the iconic Singapore Botanic Gardens for a four-week period © Agatha Byrne 53 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Cultural Initiatives Culture Unit was established in summer 2019, and aims to bring increased strategic coherence, guidance and support to the work of headquarters and our diplomatic ambitious cultural objectives of Global Ireland 2025.
The Unit is preparing a new Departmental cultural strategy for 2020-25, and in 2019 began consultations across HQ and the Mission network.

The Unit assisted the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations in New York with the unveiling of John Behan’s sculpture, ‘Migrant Boat, oﬀ Sicily, 2018’ by President Higgins during his visit to New York in September 2019.

Mr Behan, a sculptor of international acclaim, travelled to New York for this special event.
The Department has a suite of mobile touring exhibitions in English and other languages.

Two new exhibitions were launched in 2019 in conjunction with EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, and curated by Dr Angela Byrne, the Department’s Historian-in-Residence at EPIC – ‘Across the Waves: The Seafaring Irish,’ and ‘Building Something Wonderful: Irish Educators Abroad.’ Both exhibitions were launched at EPIC before touring embassies worldwide.
In 2019, Missions organised 2,838 events directly, of which 666 (23%) were cultural.

As part of a weekend of events to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2019, Centre Culturel Irlandais (CCI) co-curated an exhibition of the work of internationally renowned draughtsman and satirist, Tomi Ungerer.

Ungerer lived in Ireland for more than forty years until his passing on 8 February 2019.
Over his lifetime, he produced more than ‘loathing and abhorrence of violence, prejudice, injustice and fanaticism of any kind’ and touched on the themes of politics, religion and the excesses of contemporary lifestyles.

The exhibition at CCI was an immediate success with the press and the public, generating over 30 articles and attracting 8,200 visitors over 16 weeks.
Other highlights of the year included a lunchtime recital at CCI, following a presentation in the Irish Embassy the previous evening to lobby for UNESCO World Heritage status for Irish harping.

Irish harpists Siobhán Armstrong, Teresa O’Donnell and Séamus Ó Flatharta were introduced by Aibhlín McCrann, Chair of Cruit Éireann, Harp Ireland.

In December, the Irish harp was inscribed on the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Minister of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D., CCI Director Nora Hickey M’Sichili, and Minister of State for Training, Skills, Research and Innovation, John Halligan T.D.

attending the CCI’s Tomi Ungerer exhibition during the Ministers’ St Patrick’s Day visits to Paris © DFAT 54 2019 Annual Report A number of mission book clubs were established worldwide, dedicated to reading and promoting contemporary Irish literature.
From the establishment the initiative has spread to Brussels, Buenos Aires, Berlin, and Boston.

The book clubs leverage the popularity of classical Irish literature (including Joyce, Beckett, Yeats) to build an interest in, and audience for, contemporary Irish literature abroad, reaching beyond the traditional Irish community and academic audiences.
They promote the new face of modern, diverse, contemporary Ireland, with a focus on excellence in contemporary Irish literature, and a balance between male and female authors.

The book clubs aim to ensure the availability of contemporary Irish literature in English-language bookshops and to encourage translation.

The book clubs have proven immensely popular and have greatly enhanced our cultural outreach.
The importance of shared cultural links was at the heart of the State Visit to Germany by President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins in early July.

President Higgins hosted his German counterpart President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for an intimate and informal concert in Kreuzberg in Berlin.

The concert, curated by Other Voices at the request of the Embassy, featured stand out performances by Dermot Kennedy and Lisa Hannigan.
Highlighting shared creative links, s t a r g a z e, the Berlin-based, classically trained collective of European musicians, also participated, performing with Lisa Hannigan as well as Leipzig trained Irish violinist Aoife Ní Bhriain.

Speaking from the stage together with President Higgins, President Steinmeier summed up the evening at its close as ‘Mission Accomplished’.

The concert was live streamed on the German-French television channel Arte and later broadcast on RTÉ.
EUGENE DOWNES I worked in a quarter of a century ago as a newly recruited Third Secretary in UN Section.
The intervening decades have taken me on a somewhat unexpected journey from a posting in Moscow, resignation from the Diplomatic Service to pivot into music and opera, onwards into broadcasting, producing the cultural programme Ireland, directing an international festival – and The role oﬀers a rather unmissable opportunity to mobilise that mix of experience and networks as global network of Missions, our partners across Government and the cultural sector at home and abroad, to reimagine Ireland’s cultural diplomacy as part of the ambitious vision of Global Ireland 2025.
55 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Supporting Ireland’s People 56 2019 Annual Report of entry to the Register and the subsequent issuing of a passport.
The Passport Service continues to lead on new ways of working such as a continuous improvement initiative led In 2019, the Passport Service was awarded: » NALA Plain English in Digital Award; » Innovation in UX Award; » eGov Awards: Promoting Ireland Abroad Award; » Irish CX Awards: Team of the Year 2019 Award (Passport Customer Service Hub); » Irish CX Awards: Impact in Digital 2019.
Passport Service In 2019, Ireland became a member and Chair of the Passport Six Nation Group, an international forum between the passport issuing authorities of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States to share best practices and innovation in the issuance, development, and management of passports.

2019 proved to be a busy year.

The Passport Service issued a record 935,000 passports – 220,000 more than in 2015.
During the year, the Passport Online service was further expanded to all applicants in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Europe, overtaking the traditional paper-based application service in popularity.

Passport Online had a real impact on the work of our missions in 2019, freeing up over 24,500 hours of staﬀ time for other important work.

Our award winning Customer Service Hub handled up to 10,000 queries per week in 2019, and over 21,000 urgent Dublin and London.
Processing of Foreign Birth Registrations (FBR) transferred from the Consular Directorate to the Passport Service during the year, and the team worked with our diplomatic missions to repatriate all FBR processing to Ireland.

The Passport Service produced 18,000 FBR The Passport Service Team receives CX Awards in 2019 © DFAT face-to-face at the counters in Mount Street and oﬀers a range of services including customer assistance, passport collection, emergency passport processing and passport histories.
My role as a supervisor was to organise staﬀ between their various roles each day, to provide assistance to PETER BYRNE In September 2018 I was promoted to Executive and sections.

on Mount Street where I worked as a supervisor its early transition into a new section in the Passport Service.

Hub is now an established section in the Passport Service, dealing with up to 10,000 queries a week.

range of public queries.


My role involves assisting my 57 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Simon Coveney T.D.

with Fiona Penollar, Director of Passport Services and staﬀ in Balbriggan, 2019 © Julien Behal / DFAT Passport applications received Applications Received 112,905 applications received.
957,148 934,979 Total Paper Applications 462,954 Total Online Applications 405,510 88,684 Total Passport Card Applications 21,540 Passport Appointments Foreign Birth Registration in 2019 31,000 Applications received 18,000 produced 58 Three 173 Staﬀ 165 Staﬀ 100 Staﬀ Dublin Balbriggan Cork 1,200 calls handled per day 600 web chats handled per day 600 3,846 applications Our Citizens Abroad In May 2019, Minster of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon T.D., launched Staying safe and informed while travelling abroad.
The number of Irish people traveling, working and living abroad is at record levels and with this comes an ever- greater demand for consular assistance.

The Strategy addresses, and aligns our resources to, emerging travel trends and associated growing demands for consular assistance.

The Strategy sets out how the Department will prioritise modernising and improving the service provided to Irish citizens in distress abroad.
It focuses on 4 key goals: » Developing the TravelWise brand and promotion of a safe travel culture through outreach and communications campaigns; » Professionalism: Ensuring our staﬀ are equipped and trained to assist Irish citizens abroad; » Partnership: Sets out our aim to work with a range of stakeholders both in Ireland and internationally to inform our work; » Prioritisation: Targeting our resources better towards those who need our help most The Strategy is available to download on our website.
distress abroad.

2019 Annual Report In September 2019, the Department hosted the inaugural Conference of Honorary Consuls of Ireland, bringing together Ireland’s network of Honorary Consuls, for the Dublin Castle.

Our Honorary Consuls are an important element of the Irish State’s global engagement and play a vital role in delivering consular services to our citizens abroad, including in crisis situations.
The aim of the conference was to maximise the eﬀectiveness of the Honorary Consul network as a tool for implementation of the Government’s strategic objectives, including in the context of Global Ireland 2025, and to foster better engagement with these important partners who deliver services to Irish citizens abroad.

The appointment of an Honorary Consul is an honorary one, unsalaried and non-pensionable.

Further details on the Honorary Consul network are available on our website.
Inaugural Honorary Consuls’ Conference Family Photo at Farmleigh House © Phil Behan / DFAT point of contact for families of those in distress.

Having good contacts is an essential component of being eﬀective in this job.

Building relationships both at home and abroad with relevant organisations and stakeholders is vital.

Gathering clear and concise eﬀective decision on how to assist a citizen.
I am responsible for providing monthly and annual statistics that show the level of support the Department with essential data, supporting 59 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Working for the Diaspora The celebration of St Brigid’s Day is the Department’s new and innovative way to show the work of trailblazing, inspirational Irish women.
Building on the success of Embassy London’s inaugural event in 2018 and coordinated by Irish Abroad Unit, Brigid’s Day 2019 saw an expanded programme of events take place internationally over several days, with more than 18 diplomatic missions hosting events to celebrate the pioneering and creative role of Irish women in various aspects of life.

The 2019 programme of international events saw London hosting events over three days, covering art, literature, poetry, history, comedy, politics and theatre.
Berlin held a two-day festival of Irish female writers called ‘Brigid Meets Berlin’.

Across the world, speakers including former Presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese took part in the celebrations.

With the great enthusiasm that St Brigid’s Day has inspired so far, Irish Abroad Unit is looking forward to expanding this celebration of women, and bringing Brigid to an even wider range of locations in the coming years.
Irish Abroad Unit held a series of public consultations in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities abroad to assess the eﬀectiveness of Ireland’s diaspora policy and gather feedback on how we can improve it.

Over 30 consultation meetings were held in 2019, of which six took place in Ireland.

Attendance was diverse, with representation from a range of diaspora organisations and interested members of the public.
We received 73 written submissions by email and post from individuals and organisations working with diaspora communities across the globe.
The main outcomes of the consultations showed: » Strong support in Ireland for engaging with and supporting our diaspora communities; » Agreement that the welfare of the most vulnerable members of our diaspora should remain at the heart of Ireland’s diaspora policy; » A general conviction that diaspora policy should recognise the diversity of the contemporary diaspora, » Recognition of the unifying role of culture, sport, and the Irish language within diaspora communities.
60 2019 Annual Report The recipients of the 2019 Awards are as follows: The Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad, administered by Irish Abroad Unit, is an expression of the importance placed by Ireland on the Global Irish, their contributions and their achievements.

The Awards are presented by the President every year.
They provide recognition by the Irish State of people living abroad who have given sustained and distinguished service to Ireland or to Irish communities abroad, or on a global or international issue of importance.

Ian Gibson, Spain Charlotte Moore & Ciarán O’Reilly, US Business and Education Paul Drechsler, Britain Michael Kenneally & Rhona Richman Kenneally, Canada Fr.
Patrick Clarke, Brazil Bernárd Lynch, Britain To date, the Awards have been presented to 83 recipients from diverse locations and backgrounds, who have made their contributions to Ireland in many diﬀerent ways.
Jackie Donohoe, US Peace, Reconciliation & Development Sally O’Neill Sanchez (Deceased), Honduras Science, Technology & Innovation Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Britain William Howlett, Tanzania Recipients of the 2019 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards © Phil Behan/ DFAT 61 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Sustaining Ireland’s 62 Protocol Division in 2019: Protocol Division in 2019 We welcomed visitors and organised events 50+ high level visits to Ireland, including 2 Kings and 2 Queens, 4 Presidents and 4 Prime Ministers Hosted 27events for high level dignitaries Assisted in 6 overseas Presidential visits Organised the attendance of the diplomatic corps at three annual events Organised 161 events at Iveagh House We supported our embassies around the world 31 Ambassadors presented with credentials Assisted 60+ missions with over 1200 staﬀ in Ireland 6 Honorary Consuls appointed 2019 Annual Report 63 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade We support our government 630+ Defence Forces related clearance requests 59 and frequency requests in Ireland 211 diplomatic car applications We keep connected with our global world Sent over 500 Christmas and New Year's cards around the world 64 Over 500 landing requests Issued 496 diplomatic visas and over 550 diplomatic ID cards Processed 2,761 diplomatic customs & VAT requests Sent 1,300+ Third Party Notes (TPNs) and received 1,700+ TPNs Sent 121 National Day messages 2019 Annual Report Global Island Policy Series The Global Island Policy Series is a series of internal talks, each with expert speakers, which are open to all staﬀ of the Department.
Topics cover a broad range of issues, and staﬀ are encouraged to participate in question and answer sessions with the speakers, to broaden their Global Island Policy Series knowledge and deepen their understanding of current foreign policy issues.

2019 saw Policy Planning Unit host 24 of these events, covering each of the substantive policy areas that make up Irish foreign policy.
Series of internal talks to increase understanding of foreign policy issues 1,031 attendees over the year 193 participants joining in online from overseas missions 193 online participants 4 substantive areas Policy covered at 24 Events organised in 2019 with more than 20 expert speakers Our People Our Prosperity Our place in Europe Our Values Development Cooperation most frequent topic, featuring in 20% Maintaining relations with other foreign services 10 foreign visits involving meetings with attendance at conferences and multilateral events 65 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Our Engagement on Social Media in 2019 Social Media and Press Relations in 2019 49,500 Followers Overall majority are from Ireland (54%) , followed by UK 22%; US 13% 57% increase in followers since 2018 on the The majority of our followers are female within the 35-44 age group 97 Twitter accounts with 10 operated 533,154 audience across all accounts 21% increase 59 and 56 by missions abroad 236,082 is the size of our audience across all accounts More than 47,000 new likes 14,781 followers across 5 LinkedIn accounts Majority of our followers government administration 48% growth Dublin London Belfast New York Brussels L R I T A F D @ D N A L E R I T A F D @ N I D E K N I L T A F D Press and Media Over 870 national and international journalists facilitated with media centres, press conferences, transport, accreditation to cover visits and events 150 journalists accredited to the visit of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall A total of 662 media queries were handled during 2019 ?
66 2019 Annual Report Our Presence Online in 2019 Our Online Presence in 2019 90 Diplomatic Mission Websites 66 Embassies 16 Consulates 8 Multilateral Organisations & Other Website Visits: 11,065,625 2018 11,837,147 2019 7% Monday 08 April Busiest day of the year When the Tánaiste and Minister funding of €6 million to UN Agency for Palestine Refugees 54% 46% of visitors accessed via mobile/tablet devices of visitors accessed via desktop pages accessed 2,929,087 2,709,072 572,326 536,062 517,384 Track your Passport Passport Online Passport Online Photo Guidelines Passport Turnaround Times Passports & Citizenship Top ten Irish Embassy websites by number of Top ten cities outside the island of Ireland from which 1.
Great Britain 2.

India 3.

Russia 4.

USA 5.

UAE 6.

Australia 7.

China 8.

Canada 9.

10.

Germany South Africa 1.

London 2.

Chicago 3.

New York 4.

Sydney 5.

Melbourne 6.

Edinburgh 7.

Manchester 8.

Nottingham 9.

Glasgow 10.

Birmingham 2:59 Average amount of time spent on the website 2.72 Average amount of pages per session 67 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Ideas to Reality Initiative The Ideas to Reality Initiative was launched in May 2019.
Over the course of 2019, the project delivered a programme of communications and events to raise awareness and build engagement among staﬀ in relation to innovation, particularly innovation in the public service.

With the help of ICT, the project delivered an Ideas Bank which facilitates staﬀ to submit their ideas for positive change within the Department.

The Ideas Bank has been successful so far in generating interest and ideas.
In addition, Secretary General, Niall Burgess, on behalf of the Department, signed the Declaration on Public Sector Innovation, which is a commitment to continue to support and foster innovation within the Department.
The Department’s Ideas to Reality Initiative © DFAT 68 2019 Annual Report Managing the Department’s Human Resources 1,975 staﬀ members in 2019 12% increase since 2018 HQ of which 60% Breakdown by stream (%) Breakdown by grade (%) 3 26 General 1 3 9 19 35 71 19 14 Breakdown by gender (%) Assistant Secretary Other 68 61 51 44 39 33 75 Third Secretary and equivalent and equivalent Counsellor and equivalent Assistant Secretary Other 32 39 49 56 61 67 25 69 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Equality, Diversity and Inclusion The Department’s work on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion continued apace in 2019 through the parallel strands of the HR Strategy 2019-2022 and the Management Board Sub-Committee for Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI).
Our HR Strategy has a strong focus on equality, diversity and inclusion as one of its seven key priorities.

As part of the Strategy, the Department appointed a Lead for GEDI in 2019 to coordinate between the HR teams and the Management Board Sub-Committee, and develop an evidence-based approach to GEDI internally.

The Sub-Committee continues to act as the governance structure for the consideration of equality and diversity issues.
In December 2019, the Management Board endorsed the formal expansion of this structure to include the six voluntary staﬀ Working Groups – on Gender, LGBT+, Social Inclusion, Disability, New Irish & Ethnic and Parents & Carers – accountable to the Sub-Committee.

The Working Groups build on the previous Action Plans for Gender Equality and for Equality & Inclusion and empower all colleagues to contribute to this agenda.
with other Government departments in the Dublin Pride Parade and saw a series of staﬀ seminars on GEDI issues, such as ‘Women in Diplomacy’ seminars and initiatives to mark Black History month and ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’.

As a supporter of the Willing, Able, Mentoring (WAM) programme, the Department oﬀered two paid work placements to graduates with disabilities.
The Department works closely with the Civil Service Management Board to develop new approaches to gender equality, producing an annual report on the gender pay gap.

It is also represented on the committees of The 30% Club (public sector branch) and the recently established Civil Service Women’s Network.

I coordinate with the Human Resources Strategy team to implement our GEDI actions and provide support to the voluntary GEDI working groups.
I could be advising on an initiative to mark International Women’s Day or Pride, researching people policies, delivering training or meeting with colleagues from other Government departments or Foreign Ministries: true diversity!
A highlight has been engaging with our mission network to apply an equality lens to our outreach work and to deliver equality awareness training for background notes to colleagues overseas as they prepare for diversity events ensures that, wherever feasible, our values of diversity and equality are promoted internationally.

CAROLINE PIERCE Lead for Gender, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion I joined the Department in July 2019 with several years’ experience in Diversity and Inclusion.
As the Lead for Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion colleagues and act as Secretariat to the Management 70 2019 Annual Report Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade colleagues participating in the Dublin Pride Parade, June 2019 © DFAT Councillor Yemi Adenuga speaking at an event in Iveagh House to mark Black History Month, October 2019 © Phil Behan / DFAT Brennan (See Change) presenting at an event in Iveagh House to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December 2019 © Phil Behan / DFAT 71 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade OneLearning In 2019, Training & Development Unit inducted 190 new colleagues into the Department, delivered an in-house Cork, Limerick and Balbriggan, provided sanction for over 200 group language classes to colleagues, and supported approximate cost of €59,000.
Language Training Language Costs by Area in 2019 The highlight of 2019 was the rollout of the OneLearning Learning Management System (LMS), an online portal launched in October, which allows access to a suite of internal and external training courses, with a key focus on continued professional development.

In 2019 there were 731 OneLearning courses completed by 424 colleagues, accounting for over a third of staﬀ at HQ.
3 3 % % 5 3 4% 22 % Mission staﬀ HQ Staﬀ Pre-posting language training Language training for accompanying spouses, partners and children Breakdown of staﬀ who undertook courses: 1 Assistant Secretary 2 Development Specialist 7 3 1 Counsellor Principal Senior Development Specialist 41 First Secretary 68 193 4 2 Third Secretary Higher Executive Administrative Archivist 193 Executive 7 Junior Professional Intern 5 Intern 43 Temporary 30 Assistant Principal 253 Clerical 72 2019 Annual Report globally 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The necessary In assessing personal safety and security risks, the and family members posted abroad as well as to staﬀ the minute global medical and security advice service.

Led by HR, the Department procured a global medical and security advice service in 2019 to commence in 2020.
While particularly important in higher risk locations, medical and security advice can be accessed in any location required including guidance on existing or developing health risks or on current or emerging security threats in any location can be accessed in a number of ways including over the telephone, through the web or via app.
ICT in 2019 ICT in numbers 12 million emails and sent 4.5 million emails 10,601 Video Conferences 32TB Data used in 2019 400,000 Remote Access 24/7 ICT on call support for Missions 73 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Evaluation and Audit Evaluation and Audit is an important part of the Department’s corporate governance structure.

We are an independent Unit that reports directly to the Secretary General, and our work is overseen by an independent Audit Committee, which publishes a report each year.
Our mission is to support, protect and enhance the delivery of the Department’s mission by providing objective assessment, oversight assurance, advice and insight regarding corporate performance, governance, risk management and internal control.

A key piece of work completed in 2019 was the Evaluation of Embassy Addis Ababa’s approach to resilience in terms of the Country Strategy Paper 2014-2018.
The purpose of this work was to provide an independent, evidence-based regarding resilience with a view to providing accountability to the peoples of Ireland and Ethiopia, identify lessons learned and inform the decision making and planning process of the 2019-2023 mission strategy.
Participation in3 5 internal & 9 external mission audits Ethiopia evaluation Peer review of evaluation function Readiness assessment of Property Management Unit Commercial attaché review Publication Evaluations and Audit Strategy Fraud desk established Audit of humanitarian assistance € visa services 2 seminars and presentations at Evalnet Strategy planning support 74 productivity Ireland ranked 1st and adaptability of workforce and worker productivity in 2019 Ireland experienced continued solid economic growth with 5.6% real GDP growth in 2019 Ireland is and will remain a dedicated member of the European Union Connect with the Irish diaspora 2019 Annual Report Connect with the Irish diaspora 501 501 Some 501 community and cultural events organised or supported by the Embassy network Some 501 community and cultural events In terms of audit, 17 assignments were completed.
organised or supported by the Embassy network Evaluation and Audit Unit worked with the Department of Justice and Equality to conduct an audit of the governance arrangements for the provision of the visa service at Ireland’s diplomatic missions abroad.
The primary objective of this audit was to provide assurance to Departments on the adequacy and eﬀectiveness of the governance and oversight arrangements in place for the delivery of visa services through the mission network www.dfa.ie | @dfatIRL and management of related key risks.
www.dfa.ie | @dfatIRL Other Unit achievements include the publication of our strategy for 2020-2023, the establishment of a Fraud Desk and participation in a peer review of the evaluation function along with Finland and Switzerland.

The Unit continues to act as the Department’s focal point to the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) and will partner with them to conduct two spending reviews in 2020.
Freedom of Information and Archives in 2019 14% 364 3,297 3,945 3,914 320 262 2017 2018 2019 2017 2018 2019 75 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Accounts- Vote 28 Programmes Outturn 2018 Provisional Outturn 2019 A B C D E "Our People" €77,998m €78,039m "Our Place in Europe" €26,556m €29,360m "Our Values" €42,515m €61,782m "Our Prosperity" €32,657m €41,476m €48,340m €55,727m Total Expenditure €228,066m €266,384m F Appropriations in Aid €65,685m €69,213m €162,381m €197,171m Outturn 2018 (€m) Provisional Outturn 2019 (€m) -65,685 77,998 -69,213 78,039 48,340 55,727 26,556 32,657 42,515 41,476 29,360 61,782 "Our People" "Our Prosperity" "Our People" "Our Prosperity" "Our Place in Europe" "Our Place in Europe" "Our Values" "Appropriations in Aid" "Our Values" "Appropriations in Aid" 76 2019 Annual Report Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Accounts Vote 27: International Cooperation € Millions 2019 € Millions 2018 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade - Vote 27 Other Government Departments and Contributions to the EU Development Cooperation Budget Total ODA GNP ODA as a % of GNP Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Vote 27 as a % of Total ODA Other Government Departments and Contributions to the EU Development Cooperation Budget as a % of Total ODA 546.18 323.69 274,330 0.32% 63% 37% 514.82 276.81 253,050 0.31% 65% 35% Bilateral ODA Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade - Vote 27 Other Government Departments and Contributions to the EU Development Cooperation Budget Total Bilateral ODA Multilateral ODA Department of Foreign Aﬀairs And Trade - Vote 27 Other Government Departments and Contributions to the EU Development Cooperation Budget Total Multilateral ODA Total ODA Bilateral ODA as a % of Total ODA Multilateral ODA as a % of Total ODA € Millions 2019 € Millions 2018 431.40 81.04 512.44 114.78 242.66 357.44 59% 41% 391.32 58.11 449.43 123.50 218.70 342.20 57% 43% 77 Department of Foreign Aﬀairs and Trade Notes 78 2019 Annual Report 79