Ireland and the OECD
A brief guide to Ireland's relationship with the OECD.
As a founding member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 1961, Ireland engages across a broad range of policy areas at the organisation in support of the Government's priorities. The mission of the OECD is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world and provides a forum in which governments can work together on establishing evidence-based international standards and seek solutions to a range of economic, social, and environmental challenges.
As well as contributing to the day-to-day programme of work of the OECD and its special bodies, Ireland works with the OECD on tailor-made projects, commissioned by Irish public bodies to serve specific policy requirements. Ireland's engagement with the OECD is coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the OECD provides a whole of Government platform for departments to engage across the broad range of public policy areas.
Irish Ministers participate in sectoral Ministerial level meetings that set the political direction on key policy areas. The OECD Council of Ambassadors is responsible for the day-to-day governance and strategic management and direction of the OECD. Ireland is represented at the OECD's substantive Committees and Working Groups by experts from the relevant government departments and public bodies. In addition, Irish state agencies and public bodies, as well as civil society organisations, participate in the work of the OECD, bringing their subject-matter expertise, field experience and knowledge on advancing policy change.
The Permanent Representation works to maximise the benefits of membership, which gives us access to high-quality analysis and policy advice and ensures that we maintain and develop a strong impact on policy development globally. OECD Membership has been credited with prompting important reforms in Ireland, particularly in the field of education - for example, free secondary education.
Ireland's page on the OECD website provides up-to-date information on relevant OECD research and cooperation.