The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is a department of the Government of Ireland that is responsible for promoting the interests of Ireland in the European Union and the wider world. The head of the department is the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Departmental team

The official headquarters and ministerial offices of the department are in Iveagh House, St Stephen's Green, Dublin. The departmental team consists of the following:

History

The Department of Foreign Affairs was created on 22 January 1919, the second day of meeting of Dáil Éireann. By August 1921 there were eight 'official' missions abroad: France, Italy, USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Argentina and Chile. No other Commonwealth country (other than the UK) had independent representation in Washington.

Alteration of name and transfer of functions

Prominent ministers

Over the years a number of Ministers for Foreign Affairs have redefined Ireland's relationship with the United Kingdom and have allowed Ireland to join and take a prominent role in organisations such as the European Union and the United Nations. These include:

Structure

The mission of the Department of Foreign Affairs is to advance Ireland's political and economic interests in the European Union and in the wider world, to promote Ireland's contribution to international peace, security and development, both through the European Union and through active participation in international organisations such as the United Nations. The department is made up of a number of divisions and units: In 2016, the Department of Foreign Affairs had 1,470 employees, 320 of which were posted overseas.