Wednesday, 19 Oct 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1-51

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (19)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

19. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly. [49900/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I visited New York for UN High Level Week from 21-23 September. While there, in addition to delivering Ireland’s National Statement, I had the opportunity to engage with a number of other Leaders in roundtable discussions, bilateral meetings and in the margins.

I had formal bilateral meetings with the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres; the President of the UN General Assembly, Csaba Kõrösi; the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari; the Vice-President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo; and the Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands, Bárður á Steig Neilsen.

I participated in a roundtable discussion on prospects for the Sahel region, convened by UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and attended by regional states and organisations, as well as by members of the Security Council. I also participated in an SDG-focused event on implementation of the UN ‘Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection’ convened SG Guterres and by the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo. I took part in a panel on “Jobs and Social Protection to Recover from Overlapping Crises”, alongside VP Alupo, and facilitated by Mr Achim Steiner of UNDP, delivering a keynote address.

I also attended a ‘Forum of Small States’ reception, hosted by Singapore.

United Nations

Ceisteanna (20)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

20. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the extent to which the United Nations modus operandi appears to be in need of reform, with particular reference to a more dramatic and rapid response to emerging threatening situations globally, arising from his recent visit to the United Nations. [49948/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I visited New York for UN High Level Week from 21-23 September. In delivering Ireland’s National Statement to the General Assembly, I said that all countries, no matter how small, have a contribution to make to international peace and security, and to economic and social development; and that all people have the right to live in dignity; to have their human rights and fundamental freedoms respected. I spoke frankly also about the need for a strengthened and reformed United Nations, one that is not hamstrung by the veto power of a single member state.

I noted, however, that this is not the case for those currently facing hunger and food insecurity, nor for those in Ukraine being bombarded by Russian missiles, nor for many people in Syria, Afghanistan or Palestine. I spoke also of the devastating impacts of climate change, with those who bear least responsibility for its causes often most affected.

I cautioned that despite these challenges and their scale, we cannot lose faith in the United Nations, or in the protections that a rules-based international order provides, for all its shortcomings.

At the UN, I highlighted, for instance, the successes that Ireland has achieved working with partners during our current term on the Security Council, for instance, in terms of humanitarian access to Syria, and on ensuring that the role of women as peacebuilders, and as agents of change, is at the heart of UN peacekeeping and political missions across the globe.

Questions Nos. 21 to 26, inclusive, resubmitted.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (27)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

27. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. [49694/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I had a short courtesy meeting in Government Buildings with European Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager during her visit to Dublin on Friday 30 September.

This was primarily an opportunity to discuss current EU issues, including those featuring on the agenda of the Informal European Council meeting taking place in Prague the following week, on 7 October.

We discussed Russia’s escalating war of aggression against Ukraine, and the resolute response of the European Union since the invasion.

Our discussion also touched on the significant measures taken at EU and national level to support citizens and businesses respond to the dramatic energy prices increases arising in large part from the weaponisation of energy by Russia.

We noted the deteriorating economic outlook more generally, and the need for the European Union to remain flexible in our response, while preserving the European Union’s global competitiveness and the integrity of our Single Market.

I reiterated my strong support for Ukraine’s candidacy for membership of the EU.

The Executive Vice-President and I also reflected on the impact of EU membership in our respective countries, and discussed the role of the Conference on the Future of Europe in helping to shape the debate on the future of the EU over the period ahead.

Questions Nos. 28 to 46, inclusive, resubmitted.

Ukraine War

Ceisteanna (47)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the extent to which discussions took place at the recent intergovernmental conference in Prague in relation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. [51635/22]

Awaiting reply from the Department.

Questions Nos. 48 to 51, inclusive, resubmitted.