Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Programme C covers the Department's contribution to a more just world through the promotion and protection of human rights internationally and a more secure world based on a stable and secure rules-based international environment. Under the programme, 68% of current expenditure is made up of contributions to international organisations. My Department’s commitment to promoting international peace, security and human rights is channelled through programme C, for which there is a total allocation of €51.6 million in 2018, compared with a figure of €55.8 million in 2017, representing a reduction of €4.8 million which is due to reduced projected contributions to international organisations. It should be noted, however, that the allocation for administration under the programme has increased by just over €500,000. Most of the expenditure under the programme relates to Ireland's mandatory contributions to international organisations of which we are a member, including the United Nations. The 2018 Estimate reflects the best estimate at this time of the size of mandatory contributions due this year.

It should be noted, however, that the challenge in forecasting, in particular, the UN peacekeeping budget, which is the largest part of our payments to the UN, is not an easy one. It is difficult to estimate this in advance, as an existing peacekeeping operation might be expanded or reduced, depending on the circumstances, or a new one might be established. Also, UN contributions are invoiced in US dollars and, therefore, are subject to currency fluctuations.

Ireland is seeking election as a non-permanent members of the UN Security Council in June 2020 for the 2021-22 term. The campaign is already well under way and we are basing our campaign on Ireland's foreign policy credentials and strong international standing at the UN.

We continue to engage closely with the UN and other multilateral partners, such as the OSCE and the Council of Europe. We are contributing to the work of our multilateral partners in targeted policy areas, such as peacekeeping, conflict resolution and conflict prevention, international development, disarmament and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.

We will continue our efforts to make the UN and other multilateral institutions more effective in facing global regional and development challenges. Disarmament and non-proliferation issues will remain a priority in 2018, building on our active engagement and participation in international disarmament and non-proliferation in previous years.

We continue to advance human rights priorities and are making investments accordingly, particularly in terms of the solid record of achievements in the UN Human Rights Council in which Ireland is an active participant.

A key pillar of our international engagement under programme C is our input into the shaping and formulation of the European Union's common foreign and security policy, most notably at the monthly meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council in which I participate.