Ireland » International Relations

Ireland's Relations with the International Community

Ireland remains an enthusiastic member of the EU and membership has transformed the economic landscape, allowing Ireland to develop a new identity. Ireland is also an active member of the United Nations where it lends its support to the Millennium Development Goals. Irish forces currently participate in several UN peacekeeping missions, notably in Kosovo and Liberia. Close links are maintained with the USA where there is a significant Irish American population. Ireland's Diaspora spreads all over the world and the country maintains close links with Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Diplomatic relations are maintained with more than 100 countries, with 43 Irish Embassies abroad.

Ireland's relations with the UK

The bilateral relationship with Ireland has never been stronger. The two governments have successfully worked together to re-establish Northern Irelands power sharing executive. Both countries work closely on combating international crime and terrorism, including co-operation on smuggling and illegal migration. There are also a range of North/South initiatives. For example Ministers are currently finalizing proposals to introduce an all-Ireland free travel concession scheme. This would enable those entitled to free public transport (e.g. pensioners) to avail of their entitlements in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

There is also increasing co-operation on a broad number of political, economic and cultural topics. The UK and Ireland also work closely on many issues within the European Union, such as economic reform. A recent example of this success has been the phasing out/reduction of mobile phone roaming charges. The EU Commission has begun to follow the UK/Irish arrangement of reducing the charges consumers face when using their mobile phones in other countries.

 

Trade and Investment with UK

Ireland is the UK's largest per capita export market and the fourth largest worldwide. Exports to Ireland were worth £13.77 billion in 2004, an increase of 13.9% over 2003. In the other direction, Irish exports to the UK in 2004 were worth £10.05 billion, leaving a balance of trade deficit with the UK. But the UK is still Ireland's largest export market taking 26% of all Irish exports. The UK is Ireland's single largest supplier with a market share of 31% in 2003. The UK's principal competitors are the USA, Germany and France. Ireland is the UK's largest market for clothing, footwear and food, accounting for over 20% of all exports of these items and 13% of all UK exports of building materials.