Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
18. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of Ireland’s bid to win a seat at the United Nations Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7135/20]
View answerIreland’s candidature for election to the UN Security Council is a priority across the whole of Government. The UN is central to Ireland’s foreign policy and our engagement in multilateralism receives strong political and public support. Our effort to secure a seat, following the announcement of our candidature in 2005, reflects this. I am particularly conscious that we are seeking a seat at a time when multilateralism is under pressure. It is my strong belief that, in these circumstances, it is important that Ireland should demonstrate its willingness to participate in the work of multilateral institutions. I know this view is widely shared across the Oireachtas.
The expected date of the election for the two available seats in the Western European and Others Group (WEOG) for the UN Security Council term 2021-2022 is 17 June. There has been no change in this date despite the COVID-19 related restrictions in place at the UN. While the arrangements for voting by representatives of Member States will have to be modified to take account of social distancing, it is the intention of the President of the General Assembly to proceed with the election on the planned date.
The contest for the two available seats is very competitive. Our competitors, Canada and Norway, are strong members of the UN and important bilateral partners. We enjoy excellent relations with both and cooperate on many issues at the UN and beyond.
In making our case to the 192 other Members States of the UN, we are highlighting our consistent record at the UN throughout more than six decades of active membership. We have a strong record at the UN in the areas of peacekeeping, sustainable development, humanitarian action, disarmament and human rights. Ireland last served on the Council from 2001-2002.
Throughout the campaign, there has been high level political engagement with the UN Member States to promote and discuss Ireland’s candidature. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been mobilised in support of the candidature, in coordination with other Departments as appropriate. These efforts will continue until the election is completed.
