Permanent Representative of Ireland to the European Union
Aingeal O’Donoghue
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Welcome to the website of the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU.
It is both a privilege and an honour to have been appointed as Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the EU. The Permanent Representation is Ireland’s largest overseas Mission and includes officials from nearly every Government Department.
Together we support the Taoiseach and Government Ministers in their EU engagements and in negotiations on EU legislation and policies. At a time of great possibility, but also significant global challenges and uncertainties, it is important that Ireland’s voice at the EU table is clear and coherent. We work to shape EU policies and ambitions to reflect Ireland’s interests and values and contribute to deepening cooperation with our European partners.
Working closely with Government Departments back home, we represent Ireland in a wide range of EU meetings, maintain close contacts with the other Member States, with the EU Institutions and with the wider stakeholder community both here and in Ireland.
A major priority for us in the period ahead will be delivery of Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2026. Our preparations have already begun and we will keep you updated on developments.
Le gach dea-ghuí,
Aingeal O’Donoghue
Ambassador
August 2023
Curriculum Vitae
Aingeal O’Donoghue is the Permanent Representative of Ireland to the EU. She took up this post in August 2023.
Prior to this, Ambassador O’Donoghue served as Assistant Secretary General at the Department of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister’s Office) with responsibility for Northern Ireland, British Irish Affairs and the Shared Island Initiative (September 2020-August 2023).
From June 2017- August 2020 she served as Director General of the EU Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
From August 2013-June 2017 she was the Ambassador of Ireland to the Republic of Korea, with secondary accreditation to North Korea.
From September 2008-August 2013 she served as Institutions Counsellor at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU.
From 2004-2008 she was a Counsellor in the North/South Section, Anglo-Irish Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
From 2003-2004 she served as First Secretary in the EU Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs
From 1999-2003 she was a First Secretary in the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC
Having joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1986, other assignments have included postings at Embassies Madrid and New Delhi, and periods in Political Division and Corporate Services Division.
A native of Co. Cork, Aingeal was educated at UCC and Kings Inns. She is married to Peter Bullen and has one daughter.