Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My question relates to the attempt by Government to secure a seat on the UN Security Council. I understand that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, via the Department of Defence, is sending a naval vessel to New York and, perhaps, other cities to engage with UN officials. What is the purpose of this operation? For example, is it to wine and dine officials or will serious business be conducted? The Tánaiste will be aware this is happening against the backdrop of docked naval vessels and difficulties around meeting service level agreements and the considerable costs being incurred by his Department in regard to securing a seat on the UN Security Council, which issue has been raised many times by my colleague, Deputy Niall Collins. In light of the aforementioned difficulties and the current recruitment and retention crisis, will the Tánaiste explain the purpose of the deployment of this naval vessel?

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