Speech by Minister Byrne at the St Patrick’s Day Political and Diplomatic Reception, Embassy of Ireland, Paris

Speech by the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, at the St Patrick’s Day Political and Diplomatic Reception, Embassy of Ireland, Paris, Thursday 13 March.

Check against delivery

A dhaoine uaisle,

Tá áthas mór orm a bheith ar ais i bPáras chun Lá Fhéile Phádraig a cheiliúradh.

Monsieur le Vice Président

Ambassadeurs, Ambassadrices

Chers invités

Je suis ravi d'être parmi vous à l’occasion de la fête de la Saint Patrick.

My friends, thank you for joining us here today.

St Patrick’s Day provides us with the opportunity to celebrate Ireland, with the more than 70 million people globally, who claim Irish ancestry – and the many more, who show their fondness for Ireland, in a number of ways.

It is also an opportunity to celebrate Ireland’s international connections and partnerships, which enrich both Ireland, and our partners overseas.

On the theme of partnership, we are honoured that Michel Barnier has joined us here, today.

Ireland will never forget the hard work, often done in the most challenging of circumstances, that Michel Barnier undertook in response to Brexit.

Thank you, dear Michel – for your understanding, your solidarity and for your friendship towards Ireland.

I am very glad to say that the partnership between Ireland and France has never been stronger.

Our political and economic relations are thriving – people-to-people links are dynamic, and government-to-government engagement, is substantial.

There has been a considerable increase in political and official engagement over recent years, and last year saw some 30 high-level visits, from Ireland to France.

The Ireland-France Joint Plan of Action is at the core of that engagement.

The first Joint Plan of Action, which comes to an end this year, has significantly delivered on shared priorities – in areas such as energy, trade, culture and education.

I am delighted that work on a second, successor Joint Plan of Action is well underway, and will be finalised this year.

Ireland and France share a steadfast commitment to the EU, and to Europe’s influence, in the world.

Ireland is fortunate to be at the heart of the European Union, an unprecedented peace project, a vibrant market of more than 450 million people, and a catalyst for positive social change and inclusion.

Ireland’s membership of the EU has been central to peace and prosperity on the island.

And I am very glad to see Ireland and France working closely together, to support the EU, in responding to today’s geopolitical challenges.

As we all know, the security landscape in Europe has shifted dramatically.

And I want to assure you all today, that Ireland is fully committed to working with our European partners, to strengthen our collective resilience.

Yes, Ireland is militarily neutral – but we are not indifferent.

In looking ahead to our Presidency of the Council of the European Union next year, Ireland is fully cognisant of the urgent needs of our fellow member states, especially when it comes to security and defence.

As our Prime Minister, Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently stated, Ireland will not stand in the way of the defence and security needs, of our fellow EU members.

For our part, a layered approach to investment in security and defence is already underway, in Ireland.

We are enhancing our cyber security infrastructure, we are deepening cooperation in intelligence sharing, and we are supporting EU initiatives that bolster our capacity to respond to emerging threats.

So, my message to each of you today, on security and defence is:

Ireland is determined to play a constructive role in shaping the EU’s strategic direction in this area.

And while fully adhering to our military neutrality, we do not intend to stand on the sidelines, at this critical juncture.

We have not forgotten the solidarity shown towards us during Brexit.

I can assure you that our EU Presidency will accommodate and reconcile the needs, perspectives and priorities of our fellow member states, and that includes the security and defence of our European Union.

My friends, it is clear that Europe is changing and we are part of the change.

Ireland remains a strong supporter of EU enlargement, which we ultimately view as a security guarantee, for the continent.

In preparing for our EU Presidency next year, Ireland will work with partners across Europe, to take forward a positive policy agenda for the Union, and all its citizens.

Three years on from the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ireland and the EU remain fully committed to continuing our support for Ukraine, for as long as is necessary.

Since 2022, Ireland has committed some €380 million in bilateral support for Ukraine and to date, we have welcomed over 114,000 Ukrainians to Ireland – which is more than 2% of our total population.

And just last week, the Irish Government signed off an additional €100 million aid package, to provide non-lethal military support, to Ukraine.

In looking ahead, we all want to see a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The outcome of recent talks in Saudi Arabia this week are a positive step forward – there is now a pathway to peace. It is now for Russia to show its willingness to achieve peace.

Ireland has built a distinguished record in responding to global development challenges – including poverty, hunger and insecurity.

And we will continue to work closely, with our partners in the EU, to advocate for efforts that mitigate the wider consequences of the war in Ukraine, including on global food security.

Given our own history of conflict and peacebuilding at home, Ireland has a longstanding commitment to a just, sustainable and lasting peace, in the Middle East.

The ceasefire and hostage release deal brought hope to Israelis and Palestinians.

It is important that the focus remains on implementing that agreement – on ensuring the further release of hostages, and on the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid, to Gaza.

Everything must be done to avoid a return to hostilities.

Ireland remains convinced that implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to establish lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

There are complex challenges to navigate over the months and years ahead.

But there are opportunities too, if we use our multilateral and international institutions, to forge consensus and unleash potential.

Ireland will continue to work closely with France, in the spirit of co-operation to jointly navigate these challenges, and seize these opportunities.

My friends, there is a famous Irish saying that reads – “Ní neart go cur le chéile” – there is no strength without unity.

As we celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day, so too should we raise a glass to working together, in unity and strength.

Joyeuse fête de la Saint-Patrick.

Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh.