Foreign Affairs

In government, we will promote abroad our values of an inclusive, fair and just society with dignity, respect and equality for all citizens, which defines who we are as both a nation and a people.

A culture that promotes human rights and respect for international law is strongly embedded in Ireland. Through our participation in European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) institutions the Social Democrats are committed to supporting diplomatic efforts towards peaceful and durable solutions to conflict in accordance with international law, as well as advocating and participating in the global struggle against hunger, famine and extreme poverty.

We must strike the correct balance in our national and international policies, and in the context of our international engagement work, to safeguard Ireland’s national security, economic interests, and social and cultural values. By addressing these issues collaboratively and at their source, we can create a more stable and prosperous society for everyone.

Our Foreign Policy Priorities

• Retaining Ireland’s long established policy of military neutrality as a key element in our Foreign Policy and in line with the current wishes of the majority of the Irish people.
• Working within the EU framework to promote fundamental human rights, democratic values and institutions and the rule of law.
• Supporting the vital work of the United Nations across the vectors of war and conflict, gender-based violence, human equality, minority rights, clean water, global health, shelter, food and energy security.
• Seeking the further recognition of a Palestinian state among our international allies and promoting efforts to achieve a two-state solution to the Israel/Palestine conflict on the basis of 1967 borders.
• Reaching the UN target of allocating 0.7 per cent of national income to official development assistance (ODA) not later than 2030.

Find Out More

You can read more about our policies and plans in our Foreign Affairs policy document, linked below.