14 DFómh 2011, 16:12
A delegation from the Houses of the Oireachtas will attend the 125th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Bern, Switzerland starting from Sunday 16th October until Wednesday 19th October.
The Oireachtas delegation will be led by the Leas Cathaoirleach, Senator Denis O'Donovan. The other members of the delegation are Deputy James Bannon, Senator Aideen Hayden, Deputy Mattie McGrath.
Among the panel discussions will be debates on the famine/humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa; relations with the emerging democracies of the Arab world; and relations with Palestine/the right of Palestinians to self-determination.
Leas Cathaoirleach Denis O’Donovan said: “The Inter-Parliamentary Union fosters contacts between parliaments and parliamentarians of all countries and considers matters on international interest and concern. The forthcoming assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union will be addressing a number of key issues.
The Horn of Africa is currently experiencing the most severe food crisis to face the region in sixty years. An estimated thirteen million people in drought-stricken areas of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda are severely affected. Ireland’s response has been acknowledged as one of the more committed. Irish Aid funding allocated towards the relief effort currently stands at €10.1 million.
Following the Arab Spring, the EU and Ireland see the clear potential for the emergence of democratic, pluralistic, thriving countries in North Africa and the Middle East. However, we are also aware that these changes are at an early stage and the eventual outcome is still to be determined and potential difficulties lie ahead for many of these countries as they make the transition to new forms of government.
The Palestinian leadership on 23 September submitted an application for full membership of the United Nation. This process has already begun, and may take some time.
We are looking forward to a constructive and useful debate on these crucial issues.”
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Notes to the editor:
The IPU is the international organization of Parliaments. It was established in 1889. The Union is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy.