Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
383. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which disarmament will feature as a priority for him during Ireland’s membership of the United Nations Security Council; and if additional funding will be provided to NGOs, agencies and research to advance the non-proliferation and disarmament agenda. [18876/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s approach on the UN Security Council will be informed by our record as a country that has a consistent, principled and independent foreign policy, guided by the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
Disarmament and non-proliferation is one of Ireland’s signature foreign policies and will continue to be a priority throughout our membership on the UN Security Council.
Three overarching principles will guide Ireland’s approach to the UN Security Council’s work: building peace, strengthening prevention and ensuring accountability. Our work on disarmament and non-proliferation contributes to all these objectives.
The spread of weapons of all kinds fuels conflict and instability, contributes to human rights abuses, and hinders sustainable development. Tackling proliferation contributes to the protection of civilians, the prevention and resolution of conflict and supports global and regional stability.
Ireland will engage across the full spectrum of the UN’s conflict prevention activities. Disarmament and non-proliferation will feature in these efforts, alongside preventative diplomacy, mediation, and cooperation between the United Nations and regional organisations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is a consistent supporter of civil society’s engagement in disarmament and non-proliferation. To date, in 2020, my Department has provided €613,320 in support of research, advocacy and implementation in this space. This figure includes a grant of €350,000 to the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), which is the leading global policy institute on research in this field. Ireland remains committed to supporting research and civil society in this field throughout and beyond our term as a member of the UN Security Council.
