The Constitution of Ireland expresses the commitment of the People of Ireland to peace and friendly cooperation amongst nations founded on international justice and morality, the pacific settlement of international disputes and the generally recognised principles of international law. A commitment to international law is thus one of the core principles of Irish foreign policy.  Ireland is a strong supporter of the rules-based international order, with the United Nations at its centre, as the most effective means of addressing common threats and maintenance of international peace and security, the pursuit of economic and social development and the protection and promotion of human rights.  

International law is a key component in the development and implementation of Irish foreign policy. The Department of Foreign Affairs ensures an appropriate legal input in the formulation and implementation of Ireland’s foreign policy and contributes to effective Irish participation in international legal fora.

The functions of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which has a specialised team of career lawyers, include:

• providing advice and legal information, particularly on matters of public international law, human rights law and European Union law, to the Minister for Foreign Affairs;
• representing Ireland in international legal proceedings including the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights;
• representing Ireland in international legal fora such as the Sixth (Legal) Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, the Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court, the bodies established under the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea and relevant Council of Europe and EU bodies;
• representing Ireland in negotiations concerned with international legal matters;
• carrying out a number of functions in relation to treaties.

For further information on Ireland and international law, click here

For statements made by Ireland in the UN General Assembly Sixth (Legal) Committee and in other international legal fora, click here

For information on Irish Treaty Practice, click here

For access to the Irish Treaty Series Database, click here

For information on Irish participation in international organisations and legal bodies (including Irish citizens elected to certain treaty bodies and international courts and tribunals), click here

For information on Ireland’s participation in international courts and tribunals, click here

For information on Ireland and the Law of the Sea, click here