Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
93. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of Ireland's contribution to the campaign for a United Nations parliamentary assembly; if a parliamentary assembly will be inaugurated in time for the 75th anniversary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47994/18]
View answerIreland has been strongly committed to the values and principles of the UN Charter, since joining the United Nations in 1955.
As a strong supporter of the UN, for more than 60 years, Ireland continues to advocate, through a range of fora, for reform of the UN’s structures and systems. Reform, in the political and administrative fields, is necessary to furnish the United Nations with the necessary tools and mechanisms to respond to the many significant and interlinked global challenges faced by the UN’s member states.
Ireland is committed, in this context, to consider proposals seeking to improve the effectiveness of the UN and the valuable contribution it can make to the peace, stability and development of all nations.
Ireland remains open-minded to the concept of a UN Parliamentary Assembly in the context of overall UN reform. I have taken note of the declaration adopted last month at the 42nd Plenary Meeting of the World Forum of United Nations Associations in the Dominican Republic, which called for the establishment of a UN Parliamentary Assembly. I also recognise the important contribution of Deputy Broughan to the recently established Parliamentary Group for a United Nations Parliamentary Association.
I am conscious that those who advocate the establishment of a UN Parliamentary Assembly are doing so from the perspective of seeking increase transparency and oversight of the UN. My Department is open to hearing further from those advocating for a Parliamentary Assembly.
The United Nations will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2020. In the lead-up to this occasion, Ireland is committed to supporting UN reform measures that will improve the way the organisation functions so that the objectives of the United Nations Charter, which we all share, can be reached.
