Vol. 521 No. 3
75 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress to date of Ireland's campaign to seek election to the Security Council of the United Nations; and the number of states which have, so far, pledged support for Ireland. [16848/00]
Ireland is seeking election to one of the two non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council which are designated for the Western European and Others group of states for the two-year term 2001-2002. The election, which will take place at the UN General Assembly in October, is being contested by two other candidates: Norway and Italy. Turkey withdrew its candidacy in February 2000. Successful candidates will require the support of two-thirds of those states present and voting. In effect, this means that the support of around 125 states will be needed to secure election. The election is by secret ballot.
Members of the Government have, where appropriate, raised Ireland's Security Council candidacy in contacts with other administrations. I have raised the candidacy in my contacts with other foreign ministers.
The Dáil will be aware that, since this is a strongly contested election, I am reluctant to indicate the exact level of support committed to Ireland at this stage. Let me say simply that our candidacy continues to attract a high level of support.
