Press release
Tánaiste welcomes budget to strengthen Ireland’s global influence and impact
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD, has said that Budget 2025 will increase Ireland’s influence in the world at a time when the international community faces uncertainty and challenges.
The Department of Foreign Affairs will invest an additional €35 million into Irish Aid, the Government’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme, and a further €35 million into wider Global Ireland initiatives, including opening new embassies and missions overseas.
The Department’s budget for the Irish Aid international development programme in 2025 will increase by €35 million to €810 million, representing a 4.5% increase on the 2024 allocation. This will be the highest level ever. Based on current estimates, total Official Development Assistance (ODA) from across Government for 2025 will amount to over €2 billion. This will ensure that Ireland will reach our target of providing at least €225 million in international climate finance by 2025.
The Tánaiste said:
“At a time of much global uncertainty and many collective challenges, Budget 2025 reaffirms our commitment to strengthen Ireland’s influence and impact in the world.
“Ireland’s humanitarian and development assistance spending has risen significantly over recent years, and I am proud to say that it will grow further in 2025. This increased Irish Aid budget will allow Ireland to provide support to people in crisis-affected areas around the world, including Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine. It will also provide long-term assistance to increase crop yields, support women and girls, and keep young people in school.
“I am particularly proud to announce a significant increase in Ireland’s climate finance. This budget ensures that we will meet our commitment to provide at least €225 million in international climate finance by 2025.
“Budget 2025 will also see Ireland invest further in growing Ireland’s footprint around the world, both in terms of opening new Embassies and Consulates and strengthening our existing network of 100 missions.
“In addition, the Department will continue to prioritise passport and other vital consular services to the public. The budget funding will help ensure that we can continue to provide a highly effective and responsive passport and consular service.
“I am proud that Budget 2025 once again emphasises the determination of this Government to build Ireland’s influence and impact around the world. Not only is this fundamental to our values, but as a small country it is also vital for our continued prosperity.”
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Sean Fleming TD, said:
“The work of Irish Aid continues to transform lives in some of the most challenging places in the world. I have been fortunate to see first-hand the difference Ireland’s support makes people and entire communities.
“Conflict and climate change are leading to increased levels of need in many parts of the world. It is only right that Ireland responds to this by increasing our commitment to tackling these global problems. Ireland is known around the world for its commitment to supporting people in their hours of need. It is a source of pride that we will increase Ireland’s overseas development budget to record levels in 2025.”
Minister of State for European Affairs, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, said:
“Deepening our relationships, networks and influence in the EU remains a central focus for the Government. Ireland will assume the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July 2026 and will have responsibility for leading on the entire Union’s agenda.
“We are planning ahead now, during a time of increased global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, by committing the additional funding in the Budget to best prepare for this important responsibility. We will have the resources in place to bring in new, key people in good time ahead of the start of the Irish Presidency.”
ENDS