Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020
130. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of preparations and changes made by his Department to ensure full participation by Ireland as a member of the UN Security Council. [28226/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will take up its seat as an elected member of the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term on 1 January. We intend to make a constructive contribution across the agenda of the Council, which has nearly tripled since Ireland last held a seat 20 years ago.
Three principles will underpin our approach: Building Peace, Strengthening Prevention, and Ensuring Accountability. The Taoiseach elaborated on these principles in his address to the UN General Assembly on 26 September. Work is now ongoing to identify specific priorities and areas of focus, taking into consideration where we can have most impact.
In the period ahead, I will undertake a series of consultations with permanent and elected members of the Council, and other key partners. I have discussed UN Security Council issues with a number of counterparts in recent weeks, including during my visit to Washington last week.
I also intend to consult with a range of other UN Member States, including those of States that host UN Missions, and countries that contribute troops to Peacekeeping Operations, as well as with civil society.
We are keen to ensure an open dialogue with domestic partners, and make use of the extensive expertise available within Irish civil society organisations and academia and a stakeholder forum has been established in partnership with the IIEA.
A UN Security Council Task Team has been established in DFA Headquarters to coordinate our work on the Council. The Permanent Mission in New York will play a key role, and its staffing has been expanded to meet the increased workload.
Our term of the Council is a Government-wide effort, and we will work closely with other Departments. This includes the Department of Defence and Defence Forces, given our longstanding engagement in UN Peacekeeping. The Secretaries General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Defence met recently to discuss a joint programme of work to prepare for Council membership.
I look forward to keeping the Oireachtas informed of our work on the Council.
