What does the Protocol Service do?

Our Protocol and Press teams play a central role in organising major incoming visits. These maximize opportunities to promote Irish interests internationally.

They organise the programme and logistic of visits abroad by the President and lead on the management of incoming State visits. These visits maximize opportunities to promote Ireland’s political, economic and cultural standing internationally.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny recognised the enormous contribution of the Protocol and Press Services of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with a Public Service Excellence Award following the successful visits to Ireland of Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama in May 2011. The success of the State visit of Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh from May 17 20 May 2011, was widely praised and the award was a special tribute by the Government to the work of the Department’s Protocol team.‌‌

Along with their management responsibilities for high-level visits, the Protocol Service:

• provides support for the operation of some 120 accredited Resident and non-Resident diplomatic Missions in Dublin
• arranges participation of the Diplomatic Corps in significant events in Ireland
• manages  a  high quality and cost effective hospitality service for State entertainment
• manages diplomatic clearances for incoming and outgoing State aircraft and naval vessels

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny recognised the enormous contribution of the Protocol and Press Services of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with a Public Service Excellence Award