Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 3

Written Answers. - Membership of WHO and UNICEF.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

108 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will request the United Nations to ensure that all countries who wish to be involved can participate in the World Health Organisation and UNICEF and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6173/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

There are 191 members of the World Health Organisation.

All countries which are members of the United Nations may become members of the World Health Organisation by accepting its constitution. Other countries may be admitted as members when their application has been approved by a simple majority vote of the World Health Assembly. Territories which are not responsible for the conduct of their international relations may be admitted as associate members upon application made on their behalf by the member or other Authority responsible for their international relations.

UNICEF is a fund established by the United Nations on foot of a General Assembly resolution in 1953. The executive board of UNICEF consists of 36 UN member states on the basis of equitable geographic representation and other relevant factors. The UNICEF board consists of eight African states, seven Asian and Mediterranean states, five Latin American and Caribbean states and 12 Western European and other states. Membership of the board is normally for a period of three years. Ireland will next become a member of UNICEF's executive board in 2002.

I am satisfied that the arrangements governing membership of the World Health Organisation and the executive board of UNICEF are reasonable and equitable.