Policy Updates

On October 24, 2025, Independent Catherine Connolly was elected as Ireland's 10th president after securing 914,143 first preference votes (63%), defeating Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and marking a record-breaking victory in Irish presidential election history.

Connolly, a 68-year-old member of the Irish parliament from Galway who has served as a Teachta Dála since 2016, was backed by major left-wing parties despite running as an independent. The result was officially declared at Dublin Castle with a voter turnout of 46%. Connolly pledged to be an inclusive president who would advocate for peace and climate action.

Humphreys won 29% of first preference votes when spoiled votes were excluded, while Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin, who withdrew from the race but remained on the ballot, won 7%. The election saw an unprecedented 213,738 spoiled votes.

Connolly will be inaugurated on November 11, 2025, taking over from President Michael D Higgins, who served the maximum two terms. Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the result as an outstanding honour, while Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald called the outcome a stunning victory for the combined opposition.

On October 7, 2025, the Irish government announced its Budget 2026, which includes a record EUR840 million (US$971 million) for ODA, an increase of EUR30 million (US$34 million) from the previous year.

The budget increase aims to bolster Ireland's response to global humanitarian crises, with Tánaiste Simon Harris highlighting a stronger focus on conflicts in Gaza and Sudan. The additional funding will also target child malnutrition and support healthcare and education initiatives in partner countries. Highlighting the scale of current humanitarian and development needs, Minister of State Neale Richmond TD remarked that the system designed to address these challenges is under severe threat. He indicated that the increased Irish Aid budget is a testament to Ireland’s firm resolve to work collaboratively to improve lives worldwide.

Budget 2026 will also support the opening of five new embassies and consulates in Belgrade, Chisinau, Sarajevo, Malaga, and Melbourne to support Irish citizens and business around the world and strengthen Ireland's international footprint. Additional funding has been designated to support international market diversification amid growing trade challenges, particularly by strengthening Ireland's presence in the US.

On September 26, 2025, at a meeting of the AHLC, Norway and 11 other countries launched the Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the PA, with Norway contributing NOK40 million (US$4 million) to a crisis package.

The coalition, which also includes Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK, was established to stabilize the PA’s finances and preserve its ability to govern. The launch took place during an AHLC meeting in New York chaired by Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa attending virtually. The coalition demanded that Israel immediately release all Palestinian clearance revenues, which constitute over 60% of the revenue the PA needs.

The crisis package aims to support essential services like hospitals and schools. Norway’s contribution is in addition to NOK200 million (US$20 million) in budget support transferred earlier in 2025. The coalition will also promote a sustainable and coordinated approach with IFIs to support reforms and ensure accountability, affirming the effort as an investment in regional peace and the two-state solution.

On October 2, 2024, Irish Aid released its annual report showing a record-high ODA spend in 2023, totaling EUR2.6 billion (US$2.9 billion).

The report detailed the impact of funds from Ireland around the world, including in the wake of humanitarian crises. Ireland responded quickly to the earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye, the conflict in Sudan, and the war in Gaza. Ireland's contribution to humanitarian efforts in Gaza totaled EUR20 million (US$22 million).

EUR1.2 billion (US$1.3 billion) of the funds went towards supporting Ukrainian refugees. This includes services provided to them during their first year living in Ireland.

On May 10, 2024, USAID joined the AU Commissioner and 14 other partners in a statement of support for the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan at an AU-led soil health summit.

The US also announced US$40 million for the Space in Place approach, which is meant to support farmers with geospatial data and knowledge to ensure the best use of fertilizer for more nutritious foods.

Others joining the statement included the ADB, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, France, the World Bank, France, Canada, the EU, Germany, the Netherlands, the Rockefeller Foundation, Germany, and the UK. Commitments included improved investment policies, more access to fertilizers, enhancing soil inputs and interventions, and building capacity for soil health and fertilizer management.