Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I want to acknowledge the role of so many Irish people over the years and currently in peacekeeping missions in very dangerous situations. They do us proud. While Ireland is a member of the UN Human Rights Council, it is important that we highlight as strongly, vigorously and consistently as possible the issues of the persecution of minorities and of Christians and the violence worldwide against women. These are important issues that we must keep at the top of the agenda.

We know how dated the architecture of the United Nations is. Are we putting forward any proposals on a review of the structures of the UN, the composition of the Security Council and the fact that it does not replicate the modern political situation that has evolved over many decades since it was established?

The briefing note we were given states that Ireland's second national action plan on women, peace and security will be finalised. Is there a timeframe for that? What is the remit of that policy?