Vol. 529 No. 1
120 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the countries whose support was canvassed for Ireland's candidacy on the Security Council of the United Nations; if criteria were set in regard to whose support Ireland should seek; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2248/01]
In 1996, Ireland announced its candidacy for election to one of the two seats allocated to the Western European and Other States Group of the United Nations for the two year term 2001-02.
While countries elected to serve on the Security Council occupy seats assigned to the various regional groups within the UN, the constituency of electors comprises every country which is a member of the United Nations, with the exception of those countries which have had their voting rights suspended due to arrears in their contributions to the United Nations under the terms of Article 19 of the Charter of the United Nations.
Ireland accordingly canvassed its candidacy for election among the broad membership of the United Nations. In so doing, Ireland drew attention to its strong UN credentials, particularly with regard to our long-standing engagement in UN peacekeeping operations and our track record of commitment to sustainable development, disarmament and human rights.
On 10 October 2000, 130 of the 173 UN members present and entitled to vote in the election voted for Ireland's candidacy. Ireland duly took up its seat on the Security Council on 1 January 2001.
