Cookies on the DFA website

We use cookies to give the best experience on our site while also complying with Data Protection requirements. Continue without changing your settings, and you'll receive cookies, or change your cookie settings at any time.

Skip to main content

Year in Review 2015 - Our People

Home | Introduction | Our People | Our Values | Our Prosperity | Our Place in Europe | Our Influence | Meet Our Staff | Facts & Figures

Serving our people at home and abroad and promoting reconciliation and cooperation is one of the high level goals of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in our Statement of Strategy 2015-2017, and part of our overall mission statement as a Government Department.

- Sustained peace, enhanced reconciliation and political progress in Northern Ireland;
- Increased North-South and British-Irish cooperation;
- Effective delivery of passport and consular services for our citizens;
- Deepened engagement with our diaspora and support for our emigrants; and
- Promotion of our culture, arts and creative industries through the Embassy network.

The stories below are examples of our delivery of this goal in 2015.

The Fresh Start Agreement

The Fresh Start Agreement

The conclusion of ten weeks of intensive negotiations in Northern Ireland.

Visit by Prince of Wales

Visit by Prince of Wales

Ireland welcomed the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall on their visit to the west of Ireland on 19-21 May 2015.

The Berkeley Tragedy

The Berkeley Tragedy

The tragic collapse of a balcony in Berkeley triggered one of the most significant consular emergency responses ever led by the Department

Commemorating Gallipoli

Commemorating Gallipoli

President Michael D. Higgins and Minister Flanagan travelled to Turkey to attend commemorative events marking the centenary of first landing of Allied troops at Gallipoli

The Global Irish Civic Forum

The Global Irish Civic Forum

The first ever Global Civic Forum brought together more than 200 delegates from over 140 organisations across 17 countries to discuss and share ideas on working with the Irish diaspora.

Ireland's Diaspora Policy

Ireland's Diaspora Policy

"Global Irish: Ireland's Diaspora Policy" sets out Government policy on our relationship with those abroad of Irish heritage and who maintain affinity with Ireland.

Launching the Passport Card

Launching the Passport Card

In October, Ireland became one of the first countries in the world to launch a Passport Card.

Celebrating Yeats 150

Celebrating Yeats 150

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade supported a programme of global events designed to mark the 150th birthday of William Butler Yeats.