European and International Affairs

The European and International Affairs Division supports the Taoiseach in his role as the Head of Government of a European Union member state and in the wider field of international relations.

The division co-ordinates and contributes to the development of Ireland's policies on issues of European and International concern.In conjunction with other Government departments, the division monitors emerging European and International policy positions and the policy approaches from the various government departments and other state bodies.

One of the division's primary functions is to ensure that the Taoiseach is fully briefed on key developments at European and International level and that Ireland's interests are actively pursued. The division also co-ordinates the logistical arrangements for the Taoiseachs diary of European and International engagements, including engagements held in Ireland with visiting Heads of State or Government.

Primary responsibility for the development of Ireland's international policy on specific issues, rests with individual Departments. Ireland's international policy on environmental protection, for example, is a matter for the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Ireland's international policy on trade is a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

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