14. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which the EU-AU Joint Vision for 2030 is being implemented and monitored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31953/26]

15. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way the outcomes of the 2025 EU-AU Summit are being progressed at EU level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31954/26]

17. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland's plans to enhance EU-African Union partnership and relations during Ireland's upcoming presidency of the EU Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31956/26]

18. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on Ireland's history to date and plans to support greater Africa voice and voting power in key international fora including at the UN and international banking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31957/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 15, 17 and 18 together.

The Government has consistently advocated for a stronger and more effective partnership between the EU and Africa. This includes partnership to ensure the effectiveness of multilateral institutions to address our shared global challenges. We continue to argue strongly for reform of the United Nations system, including the Security Council, which needs to be more representative. We have focused on the historical under-representation of Africa, and are ready any new model for the Council that is fair, more representative, and commands consensus.

We are also committed to working to ensure the International Financial Institutions, such as the World Bank Group, reflect the voices and perspectives of those they serve, including African countries. Ireland joined the African Development Bank in 2020, in view of its mission to reduce poverty and improve living conditions in Africa. The President of the Bank will visit Dublin in June for a series of high level engagements.

Ireland is a strong supporter of the EU-African Union partnership. The Taoiseach led Ireland’s political engagement with the continent at the AU-EU Summit in Angola in November 2025, which marked 25 years of strategic partnership between the EU and the African Union. The theme of the summit was Advancing Peace and Prosperity through Effective Multilateralism.

Leaders agreed a joint declaration that committed to upholding the rules and principles of the UN Charter, and focused on deepening economic, trade and investment partnerships. Significant progress was welcomed in the implementation of the EU's Global Gateway Africa-Europe investment package, reflecting a shared commitment to inclusive sustainable development. The unwavering commitment of the EU and the AU to continued partnership and mutually beneficial investment in green and climate-resilient initiatives in the areas of energy, transport and digital infrastructure was reaffirmed. Leaders further reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening dialogue and co-operation on peace, security and governance. They also reaffirmed their joint commitment to deepening co-operation and dialogue on migration and mobility in a comprehensive, integrated and balanced manner, and in full respect of international law and human rights.

Leaders agreed to establish a new AU-EU Senior Officials Mechanism to support implementation of Summit decisions, monitoring delivery across priority areas, and reinforcing the work of the existing follow-up committee. This is intended to provide continuity between Summits, maintain political momentum, and to advance delivery of the partners’ shared Joint Vision for 2030.

Ireland will continue to be an advocate for Africa within the European Union, including during our upcoming EU Presidency. As an important institution for the promotion of peace, stability and development in Africa, we strongly support the strengthening of the partnership between the EU and the African Union.