Foreign relations of Ireland
The foreign relations of Ireland are substantially influenced by its membership of the European Union, although bilateral relations with the United States and United Kingdom are also important to the state. It is one of the group of smaller nations in the EU, and has traditionally followed a non-aligned foreign policy. Ireland has historically tended towards independence in foreign military policy, thus it is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and has a longstanding policy of military neutrality. This policy has been moderated in recent years and the country is an important staging-post for US troops in Western Europe. According to the Irish Defence Forces, the neutrality policy has helped them to be successful in their contributions to United Nations peace-keeping missions since 1960 (in the Congo Crisis) and subsequently in Cyprus, Lebanon and Bosnia and Herzegovina.[1]
Main relationships
China
Ireland's official relationship with the People's Republic of China began on 22 June 1979.[2] Following his visit to China in 1998, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern authorised the establishment of an Asia Strategy.[3] The aim of this Strategy was to ensure that the Irish Government and Irish enterprise work coherently to enhance the important relationships between Ireland and Asia.[3] In recent years due to the rapid expansion of the Chinese economy, China is becoming a key trade partner of Ireland, with over $6bn worth of bilateral trade between the two countries in 2010. In July 2013, the Irish Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade were invited to China by the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on a trade mission to boost both investment and political ties between the two countries.[4]
Ireland has raised its concerns in the area of human rights with China on a number of occasions. On 12 May 2007, during a visit to Beijing, former Taoiseach Brian Cowen (then Minister for Finance) discussed human rights issues with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.[5] Former Tánaiste Mary Coughlan also raised human rights issues and concerns with visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan.[5] Ireland also participates in the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue.
Concerning the Taiwan issue, Ireland follows a One-China policy. In 2007, the former Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern summarised the Irish position as follows:[6]
Although Taiwan continues to exercise autonomy and to term itself ‘The Republic of China’, this is not recognised in international law. Taiwan’s official status is that of a Province of China...Ireland recognises the Government of the PRC as the sole legitimate government of China. Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan and there is no inter-Governmental contact between the two sides. A Taipei Representative Office, established in Dublin in 1988, has a representative function in relation to economic and cultural promotion, but no diplomatic or political status.
The former Minister's emphasis on the One China policy and to the Taiwan issue being best settled through dialogue "between the parties concerned" was consistent with Beijing's wish that the Taiwan issue be regarded as a domestic one between Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.
United Kingdom
Since at least the 1600s Ireland has had political connections with the United Kingdom, with the whole island becoming a part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1801 to 1922. From the time of Ireland declaring itself independent from the United Kingdom in 1937, the two countries have been involved in a dispute over the status of Northern Ireland. Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution of Ireland formerly claimed Northern Ireland as a part of the "national territory", though in practice the Irish government did recognise the UK's jurisdiction over the region.
From the onset of the Troubles in 1969, the two governments sought to bring the violence to an end. The Sunningdale Agreement of 1973 and the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985 were important steps in this process. In 1998, both states signed the Good Friday Agreement and now co-operate closely to find a solution to the region's problems. Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution of Ireland were amended as part of this agreement, the territorial claim being replaced with a statement of aspiration to unite the people of the island of Ireland. As part of the Good Friday Agreement, the states also ended their dispute over their respective names: Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Each agreed to accept and use the others' correct name.
When the Troubles were raging in Northern Ireland, the Irish Government sought, with mixed success, to prevent the import of weapons and ammunition through its territory by illegal paramilitary organisations for use in their conflict with the security forces in Northern Ireland. In 1973 three ships of the Irish Naval Service intercepted a ship carrying weapons from Libya which were probably destined for Irish Republican paramilitaries.[7] Law enforcement acts such as these additionally improved relations with the government of the United Kingdom. However, the independent judiciary blocked a number of attempts to extradite suspects between 1970 and 1998 on the basis that their crime might have been 'political' and thus contrary to international law at the time.
Ireland is one of the parties to the Rockall continental shelf dispute that also involves Denmark, Iceland, and the United Kingdom. Ireland and the United Kingdom have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area. However, neither have concluded similar agreements with Iceland or Denmark (on behalf of the Faroe Islands) and the matter remains under negotiation. Iceland now claims[8] a substantial area of the continental shelf to the west of Ireland, to a point 49°48'N 19°00'W, which is further south than Ireland.
The controversial Sellafield nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in north-western England has also been a contentious issue between the two governments. The Irish government has sought the closure of the plant, taking a case against the UK government under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, the European Court of Justice found that the case should have been dealt with under EU law.[9] In 2006, however, both countries came to a friendly agreement which enabled both the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and the Garda Síochána (Irish Police Force) access to the site to conduct investigations.[10]
United States
- See also: United States Ambassador to Ireland, Embassy of the United States in Dublin, United States Ambassador's Official Residence in Dublin
The United States recognised the Irish Free State on 28 June 1924 with diplomatic relations being established on 7 October 1924. In 1927, the United States opened an American Legation in Dublin.[11] Due to the ancestral ties between the two countries, Ireland and the U.S. have a strong relationship, both politically and economically, with the U.S. being Ireland's biggest trading partner since 2000.[12] Ireland also receives more foreign direct investment from the U.S. than many larger nations, with investments in Ireland equal to France and Germany combined and, in 2012, more than all of developing Asia put together.[13]
The use of Shannon Airport as a stop-over point for US forces en route to Iraq has caused domestic controversy in Ireland. Opponents of this policy brought an unsuccessful High Court case against the government in 2003, arguing that this use of Irish airspace violated Irish neutrality.[14] Restrictions such as carrying no arms, ammunition, or explosives, and that the flights in question did not form part of military exercises or operations were put in place to defend Irish neutrality, however allegations have been made against the Central Intelligence Agency that the airport has been used between 30 and 50 times for illegal extraordinary rendition flights to the U.S.[15]
In 1995 a decision was made by the U.S. government to appoint a Special Envoy to Northern Ireland to help with the Northern Ireland peace process. During the 2008 presidential campaign in the United States, however, Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama was reported as having questioned the necessity to keep a US Special Envoy for Northern Ireland. His remarks caused uproar within the Republican Party, with Senator John McCain questioning his leadership abilities and his commitment to the ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland.[16]
As of 2015[update], Anne Anderson is the Irish ambassador to the United States while Kevin O'Malley is the U.S. ambassador to Ireland.
Europe and the European Union
Ireland is consistently the most pro-European of EU member states, with 77% of the population approving of EU membership according to a Eurobarometer poll in 2006.[17] Ireland was a founding member of the euro single currency. In May 2004, Ireland was one of only three countries to open its borders to workers from the 10 new member states. EU issues important to Ireland include the Common Agricultural Policy, corporation tax harmonisation and the EU Constitution. The Irish electorate declined to ratify the Treaty of Lisbon in 2008. A second referendum in October 2009 passed the bill, allowing the treaty to be ratified before it was ratified legal guarantees on issues such as the right of Ireland to remain militarily neutral (and not engage in any kind of "European army"), the right of the state to maintain its low levels of corporation tax and that the treaty would not change the right to life article in the Irish constitution making abortion illegal and an act of murder under Irish constitutional law.[citation needed]
As of 2013[update], Paschal Donohoe is Minister of State for European Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Ireland has held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on seven occasions (in 1975, 1979, 1984, 1990, 1996, 2004 and 2013).
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Albania | 1995 |
|
Andorra | 1995 |
|
Armenia | 1996 |
|
Austria | 1951 |
|
Azerbaijan | 1996 |
|
Belarus | 1992 |
|
Belgium |
| |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 2003 |
|
Bulgaria | 1990 |
|
Croatia | 1995 | See Croatia-Ireland relations
|
Cyprus | 1984 | See Cyprus-Ireland relations
|
Czech Republic | 1929 |
|
Denmark | 1962 | See Denmark-Ireland relations |
Estonia | 1991 |
|
Finland | 1961 |
|
France | 1922 |
|
Georgia | 1996 |
Ireland supports EU initiatives to promote peace between Georgia and Russia. Ireland recognises Georgian sovereignty over the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Ireland condemned the decision of Russia to recognise South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states.[38] The separatist Parliament of Abkhazia expressly called on Ireland to recognise Abkhaz independence, drawing parallels between Ireland’s own historic struggle for independence and international recognition with its own, the Abkhaz Parliament’s statement recalling that:[39] “Just like Ireland, Abkhazia has finally acquired long-awaited independence and recognition at the cost of enormous efforts...[Ireland] was de facto independent for a long time, but remained unrecognised. Ireland was the only unrecognised country in Europe until the world's largest country recognised a free parliament of Ireland. And that country was Russia.” The parallel the Abkhaz Parliament referred to stems from the fact that the breakaway and largely unrecognised Irish Republic (1919–22), enjoyed some form of recognition from the RSFSR.[citation needed] |
Germany | 1922 |
|
Greece | 1975 | See Greece–Ireland relations
|
Guernsey | ||
Holy See | 1929 | See Holy See – Ireland relations
|
Hungary | 1976 |
|
Iceland |
| |
Italy | 1922 | |
Jersey | ||
Kazakhstan | 1992 |
|
Kosovo | 2008 | See Ireland–Kosovo relations
|
Latvia | 1991 |
|
Liechtenstein | 1992 |
|
Lithuania | 1991 |
|
Luxembourg | 1925 |
|
Republic of Macedonia | 1994 |
|
Malta | 1990 |
|
Isle of Man | See Ireland-Isle of Man relations
| |
Moldova | 1999 |
|
Monaco | ||
Montenegro | 2006 |
|
Netherlands | 1922 |
|
Norway | 1949 | |
Poland | 1976 |
|
Portugal | 1942 |
|
Romania | 1990 | See Ireland–Romania relations
|
Russia | 1973 | See Ireland–Russia relations
|
San Marino | 1995 | |
Serbia | 1977 |
|
Slovakia | 1993 |
In 2010 Slovak airport security planted actual explosives in the luggage of unsuspecting passengers as part of a security exercise. As result of additional mistakes, the explosives were flown to Dublin, Ireland causing international controversy.[76] Prime Minister Fico refused to dismiss the interior minister after the incident. |
Slovenia | 1991 |
|
Spain | 1924 |
|
Sweden |
| |
Switzerland | 1934 |
|
Turkey | 1972 | See Ireland–Turkey relations
|
Ukraine | 1992 |
|
United Kingdom | See Above and Ireland–United Kingdom relations
|
Americas
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Antigua and Barbuda | 2000 |
|
Argentina | 1947 |
|
Bahamas | 2007 | |
Barbados | 2001 |
|
Belize |
| |
Bolivia |
| |
Brazil | 1975 |
|
Canada | 1929 | See Canada–Ireland relations
|
Chile | 1992 |
|
Colombia | 1999 | See Colombia–Ireland relations
|
Costa Rica |
| |
Cuba | 1999 |
|
Dominica |
| |
Dominican Republic | 2009 |
|
Ecuador | 1999 |
|
El Salvador | 2000 |
|
Grenada | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Grenada. |
Guatemala |
| |
Guyana |
| |
Haiti |
| |
Honduras |
| |
Jamaica | 1997 |
|
Mexico | 1975 | See Ireland–Mexico relations
|
Nicaragua | ||
Panama |
| |
Paraguay |
| |
Peru |
| |
Saint Kitts & Nevis | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Saint Kitts and Nevis. |
Saint Lucia |
| |
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines | 2015 |
|
Suriname | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Suriname. |
Trinidad and Tobago |
| |
United States | 1924 | See Ireland–United States relations
|
Uruguay | 1996 |
|
Venezuela | 1980 |
|
Oceania
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Australia | See Australia–Ireland relations
| |
Federated States of Micronesia | 2004 |
|
Fiji | 2002 |
|
Kiribati |
| |
Marshall Islands | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with the Marshall Islands. |
Nauru |
| |
New Zealand | See Ireland–New Zealand relations
| |
Palau |
| |
Papua New Guinea | ||
Samoa |
| |
Solomon Islands | ||
Tonga | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Tonga. |
Tuvalu |
| |
Vanuatu |
|
Africa
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Algeria |
| |
Angola |
| |
Benin | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Benin. |
Botswana |
| |
Burkina Faso |
| |
Burundi | 2004 |
|
Cameroon | 2007 | |
Cape Verde | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Cape Verde. |
Central African Republic | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with the Central African Republic. |
Chad |
| |
Comoros | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with the Comoros. |
Democratic Republic of Congo |
| |
Republic of the Congo |
| |
Djibouti |
| |
Egypt | 1975 | |
Equatorial Guinea | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Equatorial Guinea. |
Eritrea | 2002 |
|
Ethiopia | 1994 | See Ethiopia–Ireland relations
|
Gabon |
| |
Gambia |
| |
Ghana | ||
Guinea |
| |
Guinea Bissau |
| |
Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivorie) |
| |
Kenya | 1979 | |
Lesotho | 1975 |
|
Liberia | 2004 |
|
Libya | 1977 |
Under Muammar Gaddafi, the prime governor of Libya from 1969 to 2011, relations between both countries were strained due to Gaddaffi's support of the Irish Republican Army. Gaddafi was sympathetic to their cause and also wanted revenge for the US Air Force's bombing attacks on Tripoli and Benghazi in 1986. Between 1984 and 1987 Libya sent the IRA about 1,000 AK47 assault rifles and six tonnes of Semtex explosive alongside other weapons. This shipment ensured The Troubles could continue for many more years, mainly until the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 ended the conflict.[139] |
Madagascar | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Madagascar. |
Malawi | 2002 | |
Mali | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Mali. |
Mauritania | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Mauritania. |
Mauritius |
Following the murder of Irish tourist Michaela McAreavey on the island in January 2011, several Irish business's proposed a boycott of the island due to the questionable trial in which all 3 suspects were acquitted.[142] Another source of discontent was the investigation by the Mauritian authorities. The Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), who were in charge, admitted they failed to interview fellow guests at the hotel who were staying close to the room in which the murder occurred. They also failed to preserve the crime scene and did not provide any solid DNA evidence against the accused.[143] As a result, the Irish ambassador to Mauritius conveyed in person to the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, a formal government to government protest over what happened.[144][145] | |
Morocco | 1975 |
In November 2012 Morocco recalled its ambassador to Ireland temporarily due to the fact the leader of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Mohamed Abdelaziz, met with top Irish officials, including the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic claims sovereignty over Western Sahara, a disputed territory that Morocco also claims to own.[146] |
Mozambique | 1996 |
|
Namibia | 1994 |
Following Namibia's Independence from South Africa in 1990, Ireland sent 50 Garda officers as well as 20 military observers to the country as part of the United Nations Transition Assistance Group. This group as sent to monitor the peace process and elections taking place there at the time.[148] |
Niger |
| |
Nigeria |
| |
Rwanda |
| |
São Tomé & Príncipe | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with São Tomé and Príncipe. |
Senegal |
| |
Seychelles | 1999 |
|
Sierra Leone |
| |
Somalia |
| |
South Africa | 1993 |
A principled stand against apartheid by Ireland came to prevent the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. As a result, Ireland was the only EU country that did not have full diplomatic relations with South Africa until 1993, when an exchange of ambassadors was agreed with the De Klerk administration in anticipation of the ending of apartheid. |
South Sudan | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with South Sudan. |
Sudan | 1984 |
|
Swaziland | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Swaziland. |
Tanzania | 1979 |
|
Togo | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Togo. |
Tunisia | ||
Uganda | 1994 |
It was found in November 2012 that €4 million worth of Irish foreign aid was misappropriated by senior officials of the country. Instead of going towards aiding the development of the country, this money was redirected into the personal account of the prime minister of Uganda. The Irish government then halted all aid payments towards Uganda until the money was recouped, which eventually occurred in January 2013.[156] |
Zambia | 1965 | See Ireland–Zambia relations
|
Zimbabwe | 1984 |
Asia
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Afghanistan |
| |
Bahrain | 1974 |
|
Bangladesh |
| |
Bhutan | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with Bhutan. |
Brunei Darussalam |
| |
Cambodia |
| |
China | 1979 | See China–Ireland relations
|
India | 1947 | See India–Ireland relations |
Indonesia | 1984 |
|
Iran |
| |
Iraq |
| |
Israel | 1975 | See Ireland–Israel relations
In 2010, the Israel Defense Forces forcibly boarded an Irish aid ship destined for the Gaza Strip which resulted in worsened relations, Israel's Mossad was also involved in the counterfeiting of five Irish passports used in an assassination, and 2 members of the Israeli ambassador's security staff in Dublin were subsequently deported.[164] In 2010, there were numerous protests at the Israeli embassy in Ireland over the treatment of Palestinians.[165] |
Japan | 1957 |
|
Jordan |
| |
Kuwait |
| |
Kyrgyzstan | ||
Laos |
| |
Lebanon |
From 1978 to 2001, a battalion of 580 Irish troops was deployed in Lebanon, rotating every 6 months, as part of the United Nations led force UNIFIL. In all, 30,000 Irish soldiers served in Lebanon over the 23 years. Over the course of this mission 48 Irish soldiers died in Lebanon.[169] | |
Malaysia | 1974 |
|
Maldives |
| |
Mongolia | 1998 |
|
Myanmar | 2004 |
|
Nepal |
| |
North Korea | N/A | Ireland does not maintain diplomatic relations with North Korea. |
Oman |
| |
Pakistan | See Ireland–Pakistan relations
| |
Palestine |
| |
Philippines | 1986 | See Ireland–Philippines relations
|
Qatar |
| |
Saudi Arabia |
| |
Singapore | 1974 | |
South Korea | 1983 | See Ireland – South Korea relations
|
Sri Lanka | ||
Sudan |
| |
Tajikistan | ||
Thailand | ||
Timor Leste | 2003 | |
Turkmenistan | ||
United Arab Emirates | 1974 |
|
Uzbekistan |
| |
Vietnam | 1996 |
|
Yemen |
|
Overview
As of 2008 Ireland maintains diplomatic relations with 173 states (including the Republic of Kosovo), the Holy See and the European Union.[182]
Ireland has not yet established diplomatic relations with:
- Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname;
- Benin, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Sudan, Swaziland, Togo;
- Bhutan, North Korea;
- Marshall Islands, Niue, Tonga;
- Sovereign Military Order of Malta;[183]
- states with limited recognition except Kosovo.
United Nations
The United Nations was founded in 1945, but Ireland's membership was blocked by the Soviet Union until 1955,[184] "partly because of Dublin's neutrality" during the Second World War.[185] Since 25 July 2007, the Irish ambassador to the UN Office at Geneva has been Dáithí Ó Ceallaigh.[186] Ireland has been elected to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member on three occasions — in 1962, in 1981–1982 and most recently in 2001–2002.[187]
Ireland is a member state of the International Criminal Court, having signed the Rome Statute in 1998 and ratified it in 2002.[188]
Irish Aid, the Government of Ireland’s programme of assistance to developing countries financed the redesign of the UNV Online Volunteering service website in 2008 and supported its operations from 2007 to 2010, which led to a significant growth in the number of online volunteers and the tasks they completed.[189]
Peacekeeping missions
Ireland has a long history of participation in UN peacekeeping efforts starting in 1958, just three years after joining the UN. As of 2006[update], 85 members of the Irish Defence Forces had been killed on peacekeeping missions.[190]
List of major peacekeeping operations:[191]
- June 1958 – December 1958: UNOGIL observer mission to Lebanon
- 1958–present: UNTSO mission to the Middle East
- 1960–1964: ONUC mission to Congo
- 1964–present: UNFICYP mission to Cyprus
- 1973–1974: UNEF II mission to Sinai after the Yom Kippur War
- 1978–present: UNIFIL mission to Lebanon
- 1988–1991: UNIIMOG mission to the Iran-Iraq border following the Iran–Iraq War
- 1993–1995: UNOSOM II "peace enforcement" mission to Somalia
- 1997–2004: SFOR mission to former Yugoslavia
- 1999–present: KFOR mission to Kosovo
- 1999–2000: INTERFET mission to East Timor
- 2003–present: UNMIL mission to Liberia
- 2008–present: EUFOR Chad/CAR mission to Chad and the Central African Republic
As well as these missions, Irish personnel have served as observers in Central America, Russia, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Namibia, Western Sahara, Kuwait and South Africa.[190]
Ireland and the Commonwealth of Nations
Ireland was a member state of the British Commonwealth from 1922 until 1949, initially as a Dominion called the Irish Free State from 1922 until 1937, when Ireland adopted a new constitution and changed the name of the state to "Ireland". Although the king was removed from the Constitution in 1936, a republic was only formally declared from 18 April 1949. Under the rules at the time, a republic could not be a member state of the Commonwealth. This was changed a week later with the adoption of the London Declaration.
Since 1998, some people in Ireland have advocated joining the Commonwealth of Nations, most notably Éamon Ó Cuív and Mary Kenny.
International organisations
Ireland is a member of or otherwise participates in the following international organisations:[192]
Foreign aid
Ireland's aid program was founded in 1974, and in 2006 its budget amounted to €734 million. The government has set a target of reaching the Millennium Development Goal of 0.7% of Gross National Product in aid by 2012, a target which is projected to amount to €1.5 billion based on current GNP growth.[193] Irish development aid is concentrated on eight priority countries: Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zambia, Uganda, Vietnam and East Timor.[194] In 2006, Malawi was announced as the ninth priority country, with a tenth country to follow.[195] Aid has had to be reduced because of the Irish financial crisis.
As of 2012[update], Joe Costello is the Minister of State for Trade and Development at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Human rights
There have been no serious civil, human or social rights abuses/problems in the State, according to Amnesty International and the U.S. State Department.[196][197] The country consistently comes among the top nations in terms of freedom and rights ratings.
Index | Ranking (Most Recent) | Result |
---|---|---|
Freedom in the World – Political Rights | 1st (Joint) | 1 ("Free") |
Freedom in the World – Civil Liberties | 1st (Joint) | 1 ("Free") |
Index of Economic Freedom | 9th | 76.9 ("Mostly Free") |
Worldwide Press Freedom Index Ranking | 15th | -4.00 ("Free") |
Global Peace Index | 6th (Joint) | 1.33 ("More Peaceful") |
Democracy Index | 12th | 8.79 ("Full Democracy") |
International Property Rights Index | 13th (Joint) | 7.9 |
Corruption Perceptions Index | 16th (Joint) | 7.7 |
Failed States Index | 170th (7th from the bottom) | 26.5 ("Sustainable") |
See also
- Ireland–NATO relations
- Common Travel Area
- List of diplomatic missions in Ireland
- List of diplomatic missions of Ireland
- Message to the Free Nations of the World
References
- ^ "Ireland and the United Nations". Retrieved 15 July 2010.
- ^ Centre for Asian Studies, University Collete Dublin, China the Emerging Power: Prospects for Sino-Irish Relations, By Conor O'Clery, Asia Correspondent, The Irish Times
- ^ a b Irish Department of Foreign Affairs: a Decade of the Asia Strategy
- ^ "Tánaiste begins four day political and economic mission to China". Department of Foreign Affairs. 29 July 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
- ^ a b Oireachtas: WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 31 January 2007. Ref No: 43859/06
- ^ Oireachtas: ORAL answer on Thursday, 8 February 2007 by the former Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ref No: 3911/07)
- ^ "The Claudia". An Phoblacht. 21 July 2005. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
- ^ "Dóms- og kirkjumálaráđuneyti : Reglugerđ varđandi afmörkun landgrunnsins til vesturs, í suđur og til austurs". Reglugerd.is. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ Irish Government must pursue Sellafield case via EU — European Parliament press release, 8 June 2006.
- ^ "Irish Sellafield appeal ruled illegal". The Guardian. 30 May 2006. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ^ A GUIDE TO THE UNITED STATES' HISTORY OF RECOGNITION, DIPLOMATIC, AND CONSULAR RELATIONS, BY COUNTRY, SINCE 1776: IRELAND
- ^ "Ireland Trade Visualization". Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
- ^ "Ireland ranked as fourth largest destination for investment from US companies". Irish Central. 7 October 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
- ^ Horgan v. An Taoiseach & others IEHC 64 (28 April 2003) — High Court judgement in the unsuccessful case brought by Ed Horgan
- ^ "US report accuses Ireland of collusion in 'extraordinary rendition' flights". BreakingNews.ie. 5 February 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
- ^ "Obama seeks to recover from Irish blunder". Republican News. 5 September 2008. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
- ^ Standard Eurobarometer 65 "Question QA11a: Generally speaking, do you feel that (OUR COUNTRY'S) membership of the European Union is...? Answers: A good thing." Survey conducted May–July 2006, published July 2006.
- ^ "Ireland in Andorra". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
- ^ a b c d e "Missions and representations accredited to Ireland" (PDF). Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
- ^ "Armenian embassy in London (also accredited to Ireland)". Armenianembassy.org.uk. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Sofia (also accredited to Armenia)". Embassyofireland.bg. 28 September 2009. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v "Irish Census 2011" (PDF). p. 105. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
- ^ "Seanad Éireann — Volume 116 - 09 July, 1987". Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas. pp. [2166]. Retrieved 22 November 2008.
- ^ "McAleese State visit to Austria". Radio Telefís Éireann. 19 July 2006. Retrieved 21 November 2008.
- ^ Belgian embassy in Dublin
- ^ "Belgian Relations in Western Europe". Kingdom of Belgium Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Bulgaria". Embassyofireland.bg. 18 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ Bulgarian embassy in Ireland Archived 2013-05-29 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Cypriot president begins three-day visit to Ireland". The Irish Times. 28 November 2005. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
- ^ "Irish Army on Facebook". Irish Army. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Prague". Embassyofireland.cz. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Czech embassy in Dublin". Mzv.cz. 30 April 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "CSO Emigration" (PDF). Census Office Ireland. Retrieved 29 January 2013.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Helsinki". Embassyofireland.fi. 7 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Finish embassy in Dublin". Finland.ie. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Paris". Embassyofireland.fr. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ http://www.ambafrance-ie.org/Consular-Agencies
- ^ "Opening Statement by Minister For Foreign Affairs to the Joint Committee on European Affairs – 9 September 2008". Foreignaffairs.gov.ie. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Abkhazia asks Ireland and Belarus to recognise independence". Russiatoday.ru. 13 October 2008. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Berlin". Embassyofireland.de. 13 December 2009. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "German embassy in Dublin". Dublin.diplo.de. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Athens". Embassyofireland.gr. 30 September 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ a b "Jersey and Guernsey still shine as sun sets on offshore tax havens". The Telegraph. 9 April 2009.
- ^ a b "Tax Information Exchange Agreements". Irish Tax and Customs. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
- ^ "Vatican stunned by Irish embassy closure". Reuters. 4 November 2011. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
- ^ "Early Papal Welcome for new Irish Vatican ambassador - See more at: http://www.irishcatholic.ie/article/early-papal-welcome-new-irish-vatican-ambassador#sthash.MmeczDnL.oaocpDPO.dpuf". Irish Catholic. 4 September 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
{{cite web}}
: External link in
(help)|title=
- ^ "Irish embassy in Budapest". Embassyofireland.hu. 22 April 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Hungarian embassy in Dublin". Mfa.gov.hu. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Copenhagen (also accredited to Iceland)". Embassyofireland.dk. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Icelandic embassy in London (also accredited to Ireland)". Iceland.org. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Rome". Embassyofireland.it. 21 May 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Italian embassy in Dublin". Ambdublino.esteri.it. 19 May 2009. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern TD Announces Ireland's recognition of the Republic of Kosovo" (Press release). Department of Foreign Affairs. 29 February 2008. Retrieved 29 February 2008.
- ^ "Ambassador Hamiti handed the credentials to the President of Ireland". Kosovo MFA. 6 December 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2011.
- ^ "Kosovo Force" (PDF). NATO. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
- ^ "Latvian embassy in Dublin". Am.gov.lv. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Liechtenstein Embassy Contacts and Tourist Office". worldtravels.com. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
- ^ "Lithuanian embassy in Dublin". Ie.mfa.lt. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Luxembourg City". Embassyofireland.lu. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Maltese Embassy of Ireland". Embassy of Ireland. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
- ^ "New tax agreement marks new phase in Irish relations". Isle of Man Today. 24 April 2008.
- ^ "Island to give Sellafield joint-presentation". isleofman.com. 8 February 2008.
- ^ 11 August 2010 (11 August 2010). "Moldovan embassy in London (also accredited to Ireland)". Moldovanembassy.org.uk. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Ireland - Migration and Diversity" (PDF). Central Statistics Office. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Irish embassy in The Hague". Irishembassy.nl. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Oslo". Embassyofireland.no. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Norwegian embassy in Dublin". Norway.ie. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Warsaw". Embassyofireland.pl. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ "Polish embassy in Dublin". Dublin.polemb.net. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Lisbon". Embassyofireland.pt. 20 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Bucharest". Embassyofireland.ro. 9 February 2009. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Romanian embassy in Dublin". Dublin.mae.ro. 13 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Embassy of Ireland in Moscow". dfa.ie. 2 January 2016. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ "Embassy of the Russian Federation in Dublin". Ireland.ru. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Bratislava". Embassyofireland.sk. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ [1] Archived 2010-09-18 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Website of the Irish embassy in Ljubljana". Embassyofireland.si. 9 February 2009. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Website of the Slovenian embassy in Dublin". Dublin.embassy.si. 23 April 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Madrid". Irlanda.es. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Spanish embassy in Dublin". Maec.es. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Travel Advice in Spain". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
- ^ "Key Data about Ireland". Switzerland Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
- ^ Embassy of Turkey in Ireland
- ^ "Irish embassy in Prague (also accredited to Ukraine)". Embassyofireland.cz. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Ukrainian embassy in Dublin". Mfa.gov.ua. 3 August 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Great Britain". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Antigua & Barbuda". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
- ^ "– Ireland-Argentina Working Holiday Agreement Frequently Asked Questions" (PDF). Department of Foreign Affairs. 19 March 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for the Bahamas". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Barbados". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Belize". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
- ^ "Evo Morales arrives for 'historic visit'". Irish Times. 7 November 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
- ^ "Brazilian-Irish Relations". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Canada". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
- ^ "Ever think about a working holiday in Chile?". Irish Times. 19 January 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g Countries in which Ireland is also represented by the Embassy in Mexico Embassy of Ireland. Retrieved: 2013-10-19.
- ^ "Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: direction of the honorary consulate in Bogota". Dfa.ie. 29 October 2008. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Colombian embassy in London (also accredited to Ireland)". Colombianembassy.co.uk. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Irish Aid Annual report 2011" (PDF). Irish Aid. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
- ^ "Higgins all kitted out as he backs Costa Rica". Irish Times. 2 July 2014. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "Adams visits Cuba". Sinn Fein. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "Higgins urges El Salvador to reject 'amnesia about the past'". Irish Times. 24 October 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "Irish Aid Report 2014" (PDF). Irish Aid. p. 61. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "Irish NGOs capture their roles in Haiti earthquake response" (PDF). Dochas. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Honduras". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ [2]
- ^ Embassy of Mexico in Dublin (English and Spanish)
- ^ "President Michael D Higgins lays wreath in Mexico City". Irish Times. 21 October 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Panama". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Saint Lucia". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "SVG Establishes Diplomatic Relations with Ireland" (PDF). Saint Vincent Consulate. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for the United States". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Top ten facts on Irish Americans from the US Census Bureau". Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Australia embassy in Dublin". Ireland.embassy.gov.au. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Federated States of Micronesia establishes Diplomatic Relations with Ireland". Federated States of Micronesia Government. 27 October 2004. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Establishment of Diplomatic Relations with the Republic of Ireland". Fiji High Commission. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Kiribati". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Nauru". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Canberra (also accredited to New Zealand)". Embassyofireland.au.com. 19 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "New Zealand High Commission in London (also accredited to Ireland)". Nzembassy.com. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ a b "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Palau". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Tuvalu". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Vanuatu". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Department of Foreign Affairs International Relations". Kildare Street. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic List Ireland" (PDF). Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Burkina Faso". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Ireland in Burundi and Eritrea". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "EUFOR TCHAD/RCA". Oireachtas. 5 March 2009. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Djibouti". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Department of Foreign Affairs". Retrieved 21 February 2015.
- ^ "Egyptian embassy in Dublin". Embegyptireland.ie. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
- ^ "Visit by the President of Ireland to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for the Gambia". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Guinea Bissau". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for the Ivory Coast". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "Ireland-Kenya Relations". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "President's 12-day visit to South Africa starts in Lesotho". Irish Times. 12 June 2006. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "UN asks Ireland to keep troops in Liberia". Irish Times. 15 March 2006. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "Libyan arms helped the IRA to wage war". Telegraph UK. 4 April 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Malawi". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
- ^ "Ireland and Africa: President Higgins reflects a relationship in transition". Irish Times. 21 November 2014. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "Mauritius faces Irish travel boycott". The Sun. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ "Michaela McAreavey murder trial: the major talking points". The Journal. 13 July 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ "Irish Ambassador to Mauritius meets with Prime Minister Ramgoolam". Department of Foreign Affairs. 20 July 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ "Government to make formal complaint to Mauritius". RTE. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ "TDs stumble into Gilmore's desert storm". Irish Independent. 7 November 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ a b "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Mozambique". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
- ^ "Relations with Namibia - Written Answers". Dail Eireann. 12 May 1998. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Niger". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Seychelles". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "Embassy's History in Sierra Leone". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ "Time up in Somalia". RTE. 12 October 1994. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Pretoria". Embassyireland.org.za. 9 February 2009. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Tanzania". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
- ^ "Uganda Business and Tourist FAQs". visafirst.ie. Retrieved 26 January 2013.
- ^ "€4m of Irish Aid to Uganda diverted in 'sophisticated fraud'". The Irish Independent. 24 November 2012. Retrieved 26 January 2013.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for Zimbabwe". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
- ^ Irish embassy in Beijing
- ^ "Chinese embassy in Dublin". Ie.chineseembassy.org. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Government can't afford €500,000 embassy in Iran - Tánaiste". Irish Times. 2 July 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ a b "United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group". Military.ie. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Tel Aviv". Embassyofireland.co.il. 11 October 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Israeli embassy in Dublin". Dublin.mfa.gov.il. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Dubai suspects had five fake Irish passports". RTÉ News. 18 February 2010.
- ^ "Ireland asks Israel for safe passage of another ship with aid for Gaza". CNN. 27 May 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2010.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Tokyo". Embassyofireland.jp. 19 August 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Japanese embassy in Dublin". Ie.emb-japan.go.jp. 7 January 2009. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "King returns home after UK, Ireland visit". Jordan Times. 6 February 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Camp Shamrock celebrates for last time as peacekeepers' mission ends". Irish Independant. 17 March 2001. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Diplomatic and Consular Information for the Maldives". Department for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Ireland provides increased humanitarian support in response to Nepal earthquakes". Department of Foreign Affairs. 19 May 2015. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Representative Office of Ireland — Palestinian Authority". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 3 November 2011.
- ^ "General Delegation of Palestine in Ireland". Retrieved 3 November 2011.
- ^ "Israel condemns Irish decision on Palestinians". RTÉ.ie. 25 January 2011. Retrieved 3 November 2011.
{{cite news}}
:|first=
missing|last=
(help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Riordan, John (27 September 2011). "Gilmore backs Palestinian bid for UN membership". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 3 November 2011.
- ^ "Irish embassy in Seoul". Embassyofireland.or.kr. 24 November 2009. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "South Korean embassy in Dublin". Irl.mofat.go.kr. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Our Partner Countries - Timor Leste". Irish Aid. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
- ^ "Ireland - UAE Relations". Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
- ^ "Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: direction of the Irish embassy in Hanoi". Dfa.ie. 29 July 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Vietnamese embassy in London (also accredited to Ireland)". Vietnamembassy.org.uk. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ Ireland Diplomatic missions and accreditations list
- ^ Order of Malta diplomatic relations
- ^ SUM Incorporated. "Lester Pearson's Role in the UN & FAO". Unac.org. Archived from the original on 26 August 2010. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "What would Scottish independence mean at the UN?", BBC, 10 September 2014
- ^ United Nations Office at Geneva — retrieved 7 January 2009 Archived 2011-06-08 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations — retrieved 13 November 2006 Archived 2006-10-04 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ International Criminal Court: Ireland — retrieved 13 November 2006 Archived 2007-04-23 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ UNV Online Volunteering service, Partners https://onlinevolunteering.org/en/org/about/partners.html
- ^ a b Overseas Service: Ireland and the United Nations — from the Irish Defence Forces website. Retrieved 13 November 2006.
- ^ Defence Forces Service Overseas: List of Missions — from the Irish Defence Forces website. Retrieved 13 November 2006.
- ^ CIA – The World Factbook – Ireland — CIA World Factbook entry . Retrieved 15 November 2006.
- ^ Ireland’s Overseas Aid Increases by 11.4% — Irish government press release, 4 April 2006.
- ^ Irish Aid: Frequently Asked Questions — Irish government website. Retrieved 13 November 2006.
- ^ Irish government white paper on aid — Irish government white paper, 2006
- ^ "Amnesty International – Ireland". Amnesty.org. 12 February 1989. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "US Department of State – Human rights in Ireland, 2007". State.gov. 11 March 2008. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
External links
- Department of Foreign Affairs official site
- Irish Treaty Series "All treaties published in the Irish Treaty Series since 2002 are available in pdf format on this site. A limited number of selected treaties published in earlier years is also available"