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UN Security Council

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019

Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Ceisteanna (96)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

96. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of efforts to win a seat at the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17582/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The campaign to secure a non-permanent seat for Ireland on the UN Security Council is a priority across the whole of Government. With approximately fourteen months remaining until the election, An Taoiseach, I, in my capacity as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ministers across Government, as well as Ministers of State, are actively promoting Ireland’s candidature in our multilateral and bilateral engagements. 

During the recent St. Patrick’s Day period, a very large number of engagements were undertaken by Ministers and senior officials which allowed us to raise awareness of our candidature.  They also increase the electorate's awareness of the principles and values informing our foreign policy, and our longstanding commitment to multilateralism and the rule of law.

In making our case to the UN Member States, we are highlighting our consistent record at the UN throughout more than six decades of membership. Among the areas in which we have built a strong reputation at the UN are peacekeeping, sustainable development, humanitarian action, disarmament and human rights.

Ireland last served on the Security Council for a two-year term in 2001-2002. In the intervening years, the understanding has grown among Member States that factors contributing to international peace and security are wide ranging and inter-related. Climate change, hunger, migration and access to natural resources are crucial issues which can determine the stability of societies, countries and entire sub-regions. The devastating and gendered impact of conflict of women and girls, and the unequal impact of conflict on youth, must be taken into account by the Security Council. We will highlight these issues, which we know Irish people view as important, during our campaign and, should we be elected, as members of the Security Council.

I am aware that in February, officials from my Department were invited to brief Members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade on the status of the campaign. I understand that the Deputy was present and contributed to what was a positive and constructive discussion, which again demonstrated the strong support in the Oireachtas for Ireland's UN engagement.  I welcome the Committee’s interest in Ireland's candidature and on how the its Members, and colleagues across the Oireachtas, can contribute to the campaign effort.

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