Diplomat Ireland

19/08/2024

Marking World Humanitarian Day, the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD Ireland has announced that Ireland has already provided over €150 million for humanitarian crises across the world in 2024. This includes the response to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and humanitarian assistance to Sudan, Yemen and Afghanistan.

The Tánaiste said:

“The importance of Ireland’s humanitarian aid to millions of people around the world cannot be underestimated. Over 360 million people across the globe require humanitarian assistance to survive, Ireland remains committed to reaching those further behind through our work with UN and NGO partners. Ireland has steadily grown its budget for humanitarian and development aid in recent years signifying our recognition of the importance of helping those most vulnerable in our world.

Marking World Humanitarian Day, the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD Ireland has announced that Ireland has already provided over €150 million for humanitarian crises across the world in 2024. This includes the response to the conflicts in Gaza a...

13/08/2024

[ Statement by President Higgins on the death of Archbishop Noёl Treanor ]

The passing of Archbishop Noёl Treanor, who was appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union by Pope Francis in 2002, will represent a significant diplomatic loss in relation to the discussion on the Future of Europe.

Archbishop Treanor was deeply committed to the possibilities of a Union that respects difference, and that was based on a shared ethic. During the Presidency of the European Commission of Jacques Delors, he organised a wide consultation, under the title ‘A Soul for Europe’, in which I myself participated.

I already recall the manner in which the consultation was constructed indicated the inclusive view which Archbishop Treanor had of Europe. It included not only those of all faiths and of the different humanist traditions, but indeed as he put it, all those who are of ‘ethical disposition’.

Archbishop Treanor had a deep knowledge of the institutions of the EU, informed by his time as Secretary General of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE). At a time when many are seeking to recover the original purpose of the EU, he always emphasised peace, requiring reference to the principal reason for the existence of the Union as the elimination of war, as sought from the EU’s foundation, and the importance of the hard work necessary to build peace in conditions of difference.

Archbishop Treanor was an Emeritus Bishop of Down and Connor. May I extend my deepest sympathies to Noёl’s brother John, his sister Mary, to his fellow clergy and colleagues in diplomacy, and to all of his family, friends and former parishioners.

Síocháin síoraí da anam lách uasal.”

12/08/2024

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD today welcome home the 133 athletes who competed for Ireland in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The 64 women and 69 men competed across 14 sports, winning 7 Medals, posting personal and seasonal bests in many cases as well as progressing in their individual competitions.

Ministers Catherine Martin and Thomas Byrne celebrated the athletes' dedication, highlighting the importance of continued investment in Ireland's sporting system. Let's celebrate this incredible achievement together! 🏅

📸 Fintan McCarthy and Mona McSharry during the Olympic Games closing ceremony in Paris

➡ Read more: https://diplomat.ie/index.php/2024/08/12/team-ireland-welcomed-home-by-ministers-martin-and-byrne-following-historic-olympic-medal-haul/

02/08/2024

Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, has issued a call to those travelling overseas to be aware of the Government’s travel advice, be TravelWise, and Make the Right Memories following an increase in citizens seeking consular assistance this year.

Speaking ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend, the Tánaiste said: “My Department, through its network of Embassies and Consulates abroad, as well as a dedicated team in Dublin, offers 24-hour assistance for Irish citizens who may find themselves requiring help when abroad. Already this year, we have seen a 17% increase in consular cases when compared with the first six months of last year.

Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, has issued a call to those travelling overseas to be aware of the Government’s travel advice, be TravelWise, and Make the Right Memories following an increase in citizens seeking consular assistance this year. Sp...

01/08/2024

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, today gave approval for the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre project to proceed to tender.

The facility will comprise of a 250 metre cycling track and up to 12 Badminton Courts in the in-track area, in addition to spectator seating and ancillary facilities. It will be located in the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown and is scheduled to be completed in 2027 which will mean that our track cyclists, in particular, will no longer need to travel abroad to train.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, today gave approval for the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre project to proceed to tender.   The facility will...

30/07/2024

Chair, I am here today on behalf of the Government of Ireland to signal in the clearest terms our commitment to facilitating and supporting the work of this Inquiry. We welcome the opportunity to make a statement at this opening session. Having engaged closely with your team, Chair, in the months le...

19/07/2024

Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, has announced the expansion of the Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) to two new areas: Tallaght-Jobstown and Roscommon-Castlereagh. The ECP specifically targets area-based deprivation, identified by the Pobal HP Deprivation Index, through a community development approach.

The programme aims to empower local communities to craft their own response to area based poverty, social exclusion and the resulting consequences, with the support of the relevant Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

As part of this programme, a Community Engagement Worker(s) will be recruited for both areas to develop and facilitate relationships between community stakeholders, community groups and statutory agencies and structures.

Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, has announced the expansion of the Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) to two new areas: Tallaght-Jobstown and Roscommon-Castlereagh. The ECP specifically targets area-based deprivation, identified by the Pobal HP Deprivation Ind...

18/07/2024

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, today announced the 113 community projects set to receive funding under the Communities Integration Fund 2024. Through this Fund, a total of €509,791 will be made available to support local community-based organisations across Ireland to play a greater role in welcoming and integrating migrants and refugees.

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, today announced the 113 community projects set to receive funding under the Communities Integration Fund 2024. Through this Fund, a total of €509,791 will be made available to support local community-based ...

03/07/2024

Catherine Martin, T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, has today launched Coimisiún na Meán’s Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

The Strategy is informed by the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission and by the lived experiences of those working within our media sector.

The Minister has welcomed the Strategy as a key step towards ensuring the media industry is accessible, inclusive and representative of our society.

Catherine Martin, T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, has today launched Coimisiún na Meán’s Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy is informed by the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission and by the lived experiences of th...

02/07/2024

The Embassy of the State of Palestine to Ireland highlights the latest independent commission of inquiry (COI) report to the Human Rights Council. The report addresses various allegations, historical context, and systematic oppression faced by Palestinians, emphasising violations of international law, collective punishment, forced displacement, and human rights abuses. Key recommendations include ending civilian attacks, lifting the siege, ensuring reparations, and adhering to international humanitarian law.

Read the full summary for more details on the report’s findings and recommendations.

The Embassy of the State of Palestine to Ireland seeks to draw your attention to latest report of the independent commission of inquiry “COI” to Human Rights Council and has the pleasure provide a summary of the report for your kind attention.   Review of Allegations and Testimonies Unverified ...

27/06/2024

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD has today welcomed a report which shows a substantial increase in the numbers of people engaged in lifelong learning in the final quarter of last year.

The findings, published in a report compiled by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) in SOLAS using the CSO’s Labour Force Survey, revealed Ireland’s lifelong learning (LLL) rate increased to 14 per cent in quarter 4 of 2023, compared to just under 12 per cent during the same period the previous year.

However, the Minister added that even more needs to be done if Ireland is to successfully face current and future challenges in a rapidly changing world.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD has today welcomed a report which shows a substantial increase in the numbers of people engaged in lifelong learning in the final quarter of last year. The findings, published in a report compiled by t...

25/06/2024

The Director of the ISI, Michael McNaughton, has published the ISI Annual Report 2023. Commenting on the Annual Report Mr McNaughton said:

“Last year was another difficult year for households and individuals who had to cope with significantly elevated cost of living levels. Although the rate of inflation eased somewhat over the course of the year, interest rates continued to rise with the ECB interest rate on main refinancing operations peaking at 4.5 per cent in August 2023. Against this backdrop, the ISI saw an increase in demand for its services with applications for insolvency solutions, other than bankruptcy, increasing by 20 per cent compared to the previous year.”

Mr McNaughton noted that over the 10 years since it was established, over 14,000 people have used the solutions available through the ISI to return to solvency. He encouraged anyone with serious debt issues to visit www.backontrack.ie or call the ISI on 01 764 4200.

People can also freetext GETHELP to 50015 for a call back from the ISI.

The Director of the ISI, Michael McNaughton, has published the ISI Annual Report 2023.   Highlights of the 2023 Annual Report include: The launch of a refreshed and updated awareness campaign with the message “Don’t let debt unravel you.” The implementation of a new Bankruptcy Case Management...

20/06/2024

The Embassy of the State of Palestine to Ireland would like to bring to your attention a fact sheet on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Israeli sexual violence against Palestinians, issued by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, which is attached herewith.

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, which falls on June 19 each year, the Palestinian people are exposed to the most heinous war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The Palestinian people have the right to live in safety and enjoy legal protection. The world cannot ignore the systematic war crimes committed by the Israeli occupation forces against all Palestinian people, specifically torture, including sexual violence.

The Embassy of the State of Palestine to Ireland would like to bring to your attention a fact sheet on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Israeli sexual violence against Palestinians, issued by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates,...

20/06/2024

The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin TD has announced €1.5 million in funding for civic society organisations under the Government’s Shared Island Civic Society Fund. Organisations are invited to apply for funding from Monday 24 June 2024.

The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin TD has announced €1.5 million in funding for civic society organisations under the Government’s Shared Island Civic Society Fund. Organisations are invited to apply for funding from Monday 24 June 2024. The Sha...

20/06/2024

The value of Irish exports to the Arab world rose by 6% in the first quarter of 20241 to €731 million, the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) has reported.

The Arab region is highly reliant on imports and with a population of nearly 38 million, Saudi Arabia has grown to become the largest importer of Irish goods among the Arab states.

The value of goods to Saudi Arabia increased by 4% to €244 million during the first three months of the year (V same period, 2023).

“Growing economies, expanding populations, and significant investment in infrastructure, urban growth, tourism and renewable energy have opened up new opportunities for Irish exporters and those looking to do business both in and with countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia,“ said Ahmad Younis, CEO of the AICC. “As an Arab living in Ireland for more than 40 years, I have seen how well received and respected Irish businesses are in the Middle East and Gulf, and I can see many similarities between the two cultures, which certainly helps when it comes to doing business.”

The value of Irish exports to the Arab world rose by 6% in the first quarter of 20241 to €731 million, the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) has reported. The Arab region is highly reliant on imports and with a population of nearly 38 million, Saudi Arabia has grown to become the largest impor...

04/06/2024

The President of Ireland / Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D. Higgins today welcomed His Excellency, Mr. Jaime Cacho-Sousa, Ambassador of Peru 🇵🇪 and His Excellency, Mr. Ng Teck Hean, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore, 🇸🇬 who presented their Letters of Credence to President Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin today 🇮🇪

16/05/2024

STATEMENT FROM NO.1 MEDIA GROUP

Earlier this year No.1 Media Group announced the sale of one of its media platforms Diplomat Ireland. The international media company that agreed terms to purchase Diplomat Ireland has decided not to proceed with the purchase and the sale agreement has been set aside with No.1 Media Group retaining full ownership of Diplomat Ireland.

No.1 Media Group has now decided to invest further in its Diplomat Ireland platform and its annual event The Diplomat Dinner and enhance its offering to the Embassies, Ambassadors, Consuls, Countries, Corporates and Governments that have diplomatic relations with Ireland.

The Executive Chairman of No.1 Media Group and Chairman of Diplomat Ireland Michael Mulcahy said “What we do in Diplomatic Ireland is unique and we will now invest another €500,000 in enhancing our offering, and for the 15 years that we have owned this platform and brand, we have always sought to use it to support Brand Ireland and the international community that enjoys diplomatic relations with our great country. We intend to expand on that model now and ensure that our media platform and annual event continues to offer value in furthering the relationships that we have built with so many over these past 15 years and we will also continue to fully support the Irish Foreign Ministry, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Ireland in its Global Ireland strateg.” 🇮🇪 🌍

16/05/2024

It’s great to hear this morning that technology giant IBM Ireland has announced a new investment that will create up to 800 high-tech jobs across Ireland, helping build advanced software underpinned by the latest Artificial Intelligence technologies to advance Security, Automation and Hybrid Cloud. The AI technology will [1]include foundational and Large Language Models that are key for Generative AI.

The investment will create hundreds of roles in research and development, as well as digital sales and consulting; and see Ireland continue to be among IBM’s strategic locations globally. The roles will be created across IBM sites in Dublin, Cork and at IBM’s subsidiary, Red Hat, located in Waterford.

15/05/2024

Catherine Martin, T.D. Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has appointed Louise Donlon as the new Chair of the Culture Ireland Expert Advisory Committee. Louise replaces Kieran Hanrahan as Chair who has now completed his term.

Culture Ireland was established in 2005 as a Division of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to promote and advance Irish arts worldwide, strengthening Ireland’s cultural profile and global reputation and increasing career opportunities for Irish artists globally.

Catherine Martin, T.D. Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has appointed Louise Donlon as the new Chair of the Culture Ireland Expert Advisory Committee. Louise replaces Kieran Hanrahan as Chair who has now completed his term.   Culture Ireland was established in 2005 as...

14/05/2024

Céad míle fáilte a Ambasadóirí nua from Diplomat Ireland! ☘️🇮🇪

Her Excellency, Ms. Melitta Schubert, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria 🇦🇹 and His Excellency, Mr. Cleviston Haynes, Ambassador of Barbados 🇧🇧, presented their Letters of Credence to President of Ireland / Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin today 🇮🇪

14/05/2024

Padel Tennis Ireland has unveiled this week the first 26 premium partnership spaces at its state-of-the-art facility, marking a significant milestone in fostering community spirit and business collaboration in Cork.

Padel Tennis Ireland is inviting 300 businesses across various industries to join this pioneering Corporate Partnership Programme. This initiative not only provides substantial visibility for participating companies but also offers significant benefits to Cork’s voluntary, social, civic, charitable, and non-profit organisations.

➡Read more: https://diplomat.ie/index.php/2024/05/14/padel-tennis-corporate-program-elevating-community-and-business-engagement/

03/05/2024

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, announced that Ireland has signed agreements for voluntary contributions – totalling €1 million – to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Under the agreements Ireland will contribute €500,000 to the ICC’s Special Fund for Security. This fund was established last year to upgrade the Court’s physical and cyber security infrastructure in the face of rising threats against the ICC and its staff and cyber attacks on the Court itself.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, announced that Ireland has signed agreements for voluntary contributions – totalling €1 million – to the International Criminal Court (ICC).   Under the agreements Ireland will contribute €500,000 t...

25/04/2024

The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, has continued his visit to Egypt and Jordan today, holding high-level meetings with the King of Jordan, HM King Abdullah II and Jordanian Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi.

The Tánaiste also visited El Talbieh, a Palestinian refugee camp administered by UNRWA, located south of Amman.

Speaking following his meetings with HM King Abdullah II and Minister Safadi, the Tánaiste commented: “I had excellent and substantive discussions in Amman today with His Majesty, King Abdullah II and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Safadi. At a time of regional instability, Jordan’s active role in diplomacy and de-escalation is more crucial than ever. Jordan brings an insightful analysis and a moral authority to regional and global discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that I deeply appreciate. We are united in our view that the attention of the international community needs to remain on the situation in Gaza. I reiterate what I said yesterday in Egypt: the protection of civilians is Israel’s obligation under international humanitarian law. There must be accountability for all civilian deaths. And, 200 days into this horrible conflict, all hostages must be released unconditionally.

The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, has continued his visit to Egypt and Jordan today, holding high-level meetings with the King of Jordan, HM King Abdullah II and Jordanian Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi. The Tánaiste also visited El Talbieh, a...

17/04/2024

Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, launched its new Future Flyer Academy pilot training programme in partnership with Irish-based and world-renowned international flight school, Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA), which will see over 400 aspiring pilots join the airline group as Second Officers over the next 4 years.

Ryanair’s Future Flyer Academy offers aspiring pilots the opportunity to kickstart their aviation career as a commercial airline through a world-class combination of classroom, simulator, and practical training with a defined path to employment as a Second Officer with Europe’s largest airline group – Ryanair – as the airline continues to grow to carry over 300m passengers p.a. on a fleet of 800 aircraft by 2034.

➡Read more: https://diplomat.ie/index.php/2024/04/17/ryanair-launches-new-future-flyer-academy-programme-for-aspiring-pilots-in-ireland/

10/04/2024

On Tuesday evening President Michael D. Higgins presented Government Ministers with their seals of office in Áras an Uachtaráin.

The ceremony was followed by the first cabinet meeting of the new Government led by An Taoiseach Simon Harris TD, An Tanaiste Micheál Martin and members of the new cabinet.

17/03/2024

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone and especially to our Irish family and friends around the world🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪

08/03/2024

Happy International Women’s Day 2024 to all of the amazing women that we are privileged to know👏👏

16/02/2024

Statement from President of Ireland / Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D. Higgins 🇮🇪

26/01/2024

Happy Australia Day🇦🇺

13/06/2023

Statement by President of Ireland / Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D. Higgins on the death of Christy Dignam

13 June 2023

“People across Ireland and beyond will have heard with great sadness of the death of Christy Dignam.

For the last 40 years, Christy and his bandmates in Aslan have made an enormous contribution to the cultural life of our nation. In addition to their well-loved albums and hit singles such as ‘This Is’ and ‘Crazy World’, Aslan will be remembered in particular for their live shows and their remarkable connection with their audience.

Christy was central to that connection, with his passionate performances ensuring a memorable night every time Aslan played – and there were many nights, with Christy and the band showing an endless dedication to touring throughout the country.

As a result, people in nearly every town in Ireland will have their own memories of seeing them play and will feel like they had a personal connection with Christy. Indeed, I will personally remember a typically memorable performance from Christy in Áras an Uachtaráin in 2016.

Over recent years, all of us have been struck by the dignity with which Christy lived with his illness and admired his dedication in continuing to both perform and record, including his 2021 solo album, despite the challenges which he faced.

It is hard to believe that he has left us.

May I express my deepest condolences to Christy’s wife Kathryn, to his daughter Kiera, to his bandmates in Aslan, and to his wide circle of family and friends.”