Tánaiste welcomes strengthening of Ireland’s impact and support around the world

Tánaiste Simon Harris has welcomed increased allocations in Budget 2026 to support Irish citizens and promote Ireland’s values and interests around the world.

The Tánaiste confirmed an investment of almost €10 million in opening five new Embassies and Consulates to support Irish citizens and businesses around the world and strengthen Ireland’s international footprint under the Global Ireland 2025 Strategy. There will also be a new allocation of €2.5 million to support international market diversification.

Ireland will also invest record levels in humanitarian and development support around the world in 2026, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget increasing by €30 million to a record €840 million.

Budget 2026 also sees additional investment in the Passport Service and support for Irish citizens living overseas.

The Tánaiste said: “There has never been a more important time for Ireland to have a strong presence globally. We have over 100 Embassies and Consulates around the world promoting Ireland every day as a place to visit, work, invest or study. Allied to this is our strong promotion of values on humanitarian and peacekeeping issues.

“A key priority of this budget is to strengthen our mission network to continue to deliver for Ireland on these issues. I’m delighted to be announcing increased allocations strengthening Ireland’s Embassy teams in key locations around the world, including in the US. This budget will see us invest a further €9.7 million in the opening of five new Embassies and Consulates – three Embassies this year in Belgrade, Chisinau and Sarajevo, and two Consulates next year in Malaga and Melbourne.

“We will also invest an additional €2.5 million to reinforce Ireland’s Embassy and Consulates General across the USA and strengthen Ireland’s presence in key locations around the world as part of our Market Diversification Strategy. This is a direct response to the new global trade challenges. As Minister responsible for Trade Policy I know how important it is that we are responsive to meeting these economic challenges.

“I’m also delighted to be announcing a significant increase in our overseas aid budget. At a time when other donors are cutting back, I am proud that Ireland is continuing to increase its investment in development and humanitarian assistance around the world. This increase will allow us to further increase Ireland’s humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza and put a stronger focus on the conflict in Sudan, which has created the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world.

“Budget 2026 sees us increase support for Irish citizens abroad. We will invest an additional €15 million into our Passport Service, while also investing an additional €1 million into the Emigrant Support Programme to support the government’s new Diaspora Strategy.

“Strengthening healing and relationships on the island of Ireland will continue to be a major priority, with investment in the Reconciliation Fund rising to €9.5 million in 2026.”

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, said: “The world is facing unprecedented humanitarian and development needs, and the system designed to respond to that is under existential threat. Further increasing the Irish Aid budget is a clear sign of Ireland’s absolute commitment to working in partnership to save and improve lives around the world.

“This record allocation for Irish Aid will allow us to continue to deliver life-saving aid to people in Gaza, Sudan and elsewhere. It will also allow us to increase our focus on targeting the scandal of child malnutrition, as well as strengthening our work to deliver critical support, such as healthcare and education, that allows people to build better futures for themselves.

“As Minister for Diaspora, I have engaged and consulted with Irish communities around the world as part of the government’s new Diaspora Strategy. This budget reaffirms the government’s support for Irish people living abroad by further strengthening the Emigrant Support Programme. This continued investment recognises the importance of our diaspora and our commitment to supporting and engaging with Irish people no matter where they live.”

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, said: “2026 is a momentous year for Ireland in Europe as we take on the EU Presidency in the second half of the year. Ireland’s EU Presidency will be a whole-of-government priority led and coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The government has committed central funding to facilitate the delivery of a successful presidency for Ireland.

“The EU is the world’s largest single market and the most successful peace project ever seen. It has never been more important to reinforce the values of our shared Union. Budget 2026 will see an additional investment of €1.3 million towards programmes focused on EU enlargement and on citizen engagement on the EU, here in Ireland.”