Minister Canney welcomes Department of Foreign Affairs Sectoral Plan focused on modern services, digital resilience and Ireland’s global presence

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the publication of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ new Sectoral Plan, which sets out a clear roadmap to strengthen citizen services, modernise digital systems and invest in Ireland’s diplomatic presence worldwide.

The plan is built around three core pillars aimed at ensuring the Department can meet increasing demands while protecting the security, integrity and resilience of its services.

A key focus of the plan is the continued modernisation of the Passport Service to ensure citizens receive a secure, efficient and high-quality service. Planned measures include the replacement of essential back-office systems, the introduction of enhanced facial recognition software and the purchase of new high-security personalised passport printing equipment. These investments will support the introduction of a new passport book with enhanced security and integrity features by early 2026, while also preparing the ground for future innovations such as Digital Travel Credentials.

The plan also sets out the development of a new global ICT strategy to support the Department’s operations at home and across its international network. This will strengthen cybersecurity in response to growing national and international threats, modernise systems across diplomatic missions and enable the Department to avail of opportunities in emerging digital technologies, including AI. An annual funding model will underpin this work to support sustained investment in secure global ICT infrastructure.

The Sectoral Plan also addresses the Department’s extensive global property portfolio, much of which remains outdated and in need of reinvestment. It highlights the need for ongoing maintenance and development, particularly in relation to security and health and safety, and confirms that all property investment options will continue to be assessed. Major strategic investments are planned in a number of large missions over the next two to five years, including London, Beijing, New Delhi, Paris and Rome, alongside the establishment of new diplomatic missions and Ireland Houses under the Global Ireland Strategy.

Welcoming the plan, Minister Canney said it provides a strong and practical framework for the Department’s work into the future.

“This Sectoral Plan takes a balanced approach by improving frontline services for citizens, strengthening digital resilience in an increasingly complex global environment, and ensuring Ireland’s diplomatic presence overseas is safe, modern and fit for purpose,” Minister Canney said. “It reflects the importance of investing in the systems and infrastructure that underpin Ireland’s international engagement and protect essential services for citizens at home and abroad.”