Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I welcome the adoption by the UN Security Council on 16 September of Resolution 2009. This resolution reaffirmed that the United Nations should lead the efforts of the international community in supporting the Libyan-led transition and rebuilding process aimed at establishing a democratic, independent and united Libya. It also established the United Nations Support Mission for Libya, UNSMIL. UNSMIL's mandate is to assist Libyan national efforts in a range of areas, including the restoration of public security and order, the promotion of the rule of law, the restoration of public service and support for human rights. Mr. Ian Martin has been appointed UN Special Representative and Head of UNSMIL.

UNSMIL is a civilian mission and will largely be staffed by police, judicial and political experts. It is expected that, at full strength, the mission will have a staff of about 60 persons. Many of these are expected to be drawn from within the UN system itself. I understand that, as a consequence, only a limited number of potential contributors have been approached. To date, Ireland has not received a request to contribute to UNSMIL. If such a request is received, it will be given careful consideration.

In addition to the establishment of the new UNSMIL mission, UN Security Council Resolution 2009 also sends political messages to the new administration in Libya and modifies arrangements for the arms embargo, the asset freeze and the no-fly zone. My Department continues to follow the situation in Libya closely. In addition, Irish Aid has provided over €1.3 million in humanitarian assistance to Libya since the beginning of this year.

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