Ms Caoimhe de Barra:

It is about Ireland's reputation as a country that has experienced conflict, that understands what conflict resolution looks like that has an unbroken record of contributing to peacekeeping. That is what Ireland brings, rather than its status when it comes to neutrality. Ireland is a clear moral voice. I am sure it sometimes feels to our leaders like a lone moral voice. In the absence of these moral voices, however , the future of the multilateral system will be in even more peril than it already is, as the Deputy identified. It is Ireland's standing and the respect that Ireland has on those two points I mentioned that are its trump card. In some respects, Ireland brings that into Europe more than anywhere else. The system at the UN is so compromised. With Ireland not being on the UN Security Council at this point - not yet, and it will hopefully will be on the UN Human Rights Council - it can operate as well possible. Within the European Union is where these issues can be raised, however, through the EU Council, the Foreign Affairs Council and the work of our parliamentarians and representatives. Increasing pressure could be put on the EU's trading partners, for example.