Helen McEntee TD

Today I was pleased to host my Spanish colleague in Dublin. In this challenging global security situation, we agreed on the importance of EU unity and cooperation. We discussed our continuing support for Ukraine and the urgent need to desescalate the crisis in Lebanon @Defensagob

These are essential supplies for families forced to flee their homes.

Today, I announced the delivery of 8,000 thermal blankets from Ireland to support people displaced in Lebanon. These blankets arrived in Beirut this morning as part of a joint humanitarian flight with Italy and the EU.

I was pleased to Chair the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning yesterday, the State’s highest-level forum for strategic emergency management. Ensuring Ireland is coordinated, resilient and ready for evolving risks remains a top priority for me.

I was pleased to meet today with two veterans’ associations, IUNVA and ARCO. Our discussions focused on a broad range of issues affecting veterans and strengthening the relationship between Óglaigh na hÉireann & the veteran community.

Good to speak today with our Heads of Mission across the Middle East to stay closely engaged as the situation evolves. At a time of heightened tension, these conversations are vital, ensuring Ireland remains informed, responsive and actively engaged.

⏳ We’re counting down! 🇮🇪🇪🇺 Ireland looks forward to taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 100 days. ⚡ Follow us for updates, as we work hard preparing over the coming months!

Our discussions focused on US tariffs, trade uncertainty and competitiveness ahead of Ireland’s EU Council Presidency. Ireland’s life sciences sector alone supports over €200bn in goods trade and more than 100,000 jobs.

I recently held a series of trade engagements with Irish Distillers, AerCap, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association.

Final call for applications! The deadline for the Communicating Europe Initiative Fund is tomorrow, March 24. This fund supports projects, events and initiatives that promote a better understanding of the European Union and the role it plays in our daily lives 🇮🇪🇪🇺

I would advise citizens with any queries or concerns to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular team in Dublin at +353 1 4082000. Citizens in the region should contact their local Embassy. Read my full statement🔗 gov.ie/en/department-…

Good meeting with Gov. Maura Healey & Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, discussing closer cooperation on defence, energy & education. Also met Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe on Ireland’s engagement with the State Partnership Program. Strong and growing ties with Massachusetts.

From communities across Ireland, we celebrate ability, friendship and inclusion this World Down Syndrome Day 💙💛 . #WDSD

Honoured to deliver the keynote at the JFK Presidential Library this week 🇮🇪🇺🇸 I spoke about the strength of our ties across peacebuilding, trade, culture & sport. I also highlighted the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East and a return to negotiations.

Great to be there for the signing of an agreement between FuturEnergy Ireland and Form Energy. This partnership marks an exciting step forward for clean energy cooperation between Ireland & the US and supports ambitions to expand renewable energy and energy storage capacity.

For 40 years, the Partnership has made an extraordinary contribution to education, peace and reconciliation across Ireland, supporting schools, communities and scholarships, and advancing cross-community initiatives in Northern Ireland.

Honoured to deliver the keynote address at the 40th anniversary of the Irish American Partnership in Boston. 🇮🇪🇺🇸 A privilege to welcome former President Joe Biden as special guest, reflecting on the enduring bonds between Ireland and the United States.

In Boston this week, I met leading Irish medtech companies incl. Shorla Oncology, X-Bolt, Head Diagnostics & Fire1, hearing first-hand about their growth in the U.S. Also opened Enterprise Ireland’s new Boston office, strengthening support for Irish businesses abroad 🇮🇪🇺🇸

With 68 actions over 5 years, including a €1m fund, this strategy will harness sport’s power to connect people and promote Ireland’s values worldwide. 🔗 gov.ie/en/department-…

Today, I launched Ireland’s new International Sports Diplomacy Strategy today at Fenway Park as part of my St. Patrick’s Day programme in the U.S. 🇮🇪🇺🇸 We’re using sport to strengthen global partnerships, engage our diaspora, and grow economic opportunities.