Ivana Bacik
Question:59. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the UN General Assembly. [41531/23]
View answerTuesday, 3 October 2023
Questions (59)
Written answers
I travelled to New York to attend the UN General Assembly’s high-level week from 17 until 22 September.
I delivered Ireland’s statement at the UN’s SDG Summit, which highlighted the need to get back on track with reaching the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Leaders also adopted the Summit’s Political Declaration which Ireland co-facilitated with Qatar.
I also gave Ireland’s National Statement to the General Assembly. In my address I highlighted four priorities:
· the need for the international community to continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and to hold Russia accountable for its brutal invasion;
· the vital importance of climate action ahead of COP28;
· the need to redouble our efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030; and
· the need for reform of the United Nations so that it better reflects today’s world.
While at the UN, I also participated in several events in the margins, including an event to mark 15 years of the UN LGBTI Core Group and a reception hosted by the German Chancellor to mark 50 years of German membership of the UN.
I also had various bilateral meetings, including with UN Secretary General António Guterres who thanked Ireland for its unswerving support for the UN. I took the opportunity to recall the case of Private Sean Rooney and the importance of his family knowing the full facts surrounding his tragic death.
I met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and re-assured her of Ireland’s continued backing for Moldova’s journey towards EU Membership. I also had bilateral engagements with the Prime Ministers of Qatar and Samoa.
I also attended a reception hosted by President Biden and the First Lady for Leaders attending the Assembly. I had the opportunity for a short conversation with President Biden in which I updated him on developments in Northern Ireland and on UK legislation on legacy, outlining our deep concerns on its implications. I thanked him for his continuing interest in the peace process, including his appointment of Joe Kennedy III as Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland. As always, I found him well informed and ready to be of assistance in whatever way he can.
While in New York I also had a bilateral programme that included a reception for Irish people in the tech industry and a visit to the Irish Arts Center during which I announced an additional €2million to help with its further development.
While in the US, I took the opportunity to travel briefly to Florida where I formally opened Ireland’s new Consulate General in Miami and met a number of local political leaders.
Questions Nos. 60 to 62, inclusive, resubmitted.