Paul Murphy
Ceist:54. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council. [43228/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 November 2019
Ceisteanna (54, 60)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:60. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of efforts to obtain a seat at the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46434/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 60 together.
The expected date of the election for the two available seats in the Western European and Others Groupfor the UN Security Council term 2021-2022 is approximately seven months away, in June 2020. Canada and Norway, who are committed members of the UN and important bilateral partners of Ireland, are also contending for a seat. The campaign is a priority across the whole of Government and we wish to ensure success in what is a very competitive election. Ireland last served on the Council from 2001-2002.
In making our case to the 192 other Members States of the UN, we are focusing on Ireland’s consistent record at the UN throughout more than six decades of active membership, in particular in the areas of peacekeeping, sustainable development, humanitarian action, disarmament and human rights. More broadly, we have sought to highlight the values and principles that underpin Ireland’s foreign policy and will characterise our contribution to the work of the Security Council. It is also important to note that, in our efforts to secure a seat on the Security Council, we are demonstrating commitment to the multilateral system at a time when it is under pressure.
In September, I travelled to the 74th session of the UN General Assembly with the President, the Taoiseach and other members of the Government. Ireland was represented at a high level at the five Summits that took place – on Climate Action, Financing for Development, Health, Small Island Developing States and the Sustainable Development Goals. Our contributions in these and other fora during the week sought to highlight Ireland’s key policy priorities at the UN. In addition, a significant number of bilateral meetings were held with senior representatives of other States and Governments, where our strong case for a seat on the Security Council was pressed.
As we enter the final phase of the campaign, we are intensifying our efforts to promote our candidature. All appropriate regional, multilateral and bilateral engagements are being utilised by An Taoiseach; me, as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade; Ministers across Government and Ministers of State. In addition, officials at my Department, and also across Government, continue to make an important contribution to raising the profile of our campaign among international partners.