asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the main policies he intends to pursue as a result of Ireland's accession to membership of the United Nations Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Security Council Policies.
20.
The basic function of the United Nations Security Council is laid down in the United Nations Charter which provides that
in order to ensure prompt and effective action by the United Nations, its members confer on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and agree that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility the Security Council acts on their behalf.
The work of the Security Council derives mainly from this responsibility. The Charter provides that the Security Council may investigate any dispute or any situation which might lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute, and that members of the United Nations may bring disputes to the attention of the Security Council.
The Security Council thus tends to deal with international disputes or threats to peace as they arise and, to a considerable extent, the issues and the manner in which they come before the Council are not predictable.
During Ireland's two-year membership of the Council beginning on 1 January next, the Government intend to play their part in efforts to resolve whatever international disputes are considered by the Council. Where the Council has already set out the principles on which the settlement of a dispute should be based, the Government will join in the effort to promote implementation accordingly. We shall do so in keeping with the general aims of our foreign policy for a more peaceful, stable and just international order which I mentioned in my Estimates speech in June this year. Where we have established positions on particular issues, our policy will of course continue to be based on these positions.
Questions Nos. 21 and 22 are for written reply.