Atomic energy

The International Atomic Energy Agency is the foremost global body for international cooperation on nuclear issues.

Its mission is to promote the safe and secure use of nuclear technologies for peace and development.

The IAEA was formally established in 1957, with a mandate to safeguard the peaceful use of atomic energy. Its creation followed the approval of the Statute by 81 countries in October 1956. The Agency is now composed of 180 member states. Ireland has been a member of the IAEA since 1970.

The Agency is led by two primary policy-making organs: the Board of Governors and the General Conference. While the General Conference involves all member-states and meets once per year (usually in September), the Board of Governors is composed of 32 member-states and meets at least five times per year.

Alongside South Africa, Ireland has recently served as Vice-chair of the Board’s Programme and Budget Working Group, successfully achieving the consensual adoption of the Agency’s Programme and Budget for 2026-2027.