Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The international section of the Department supports my work at international level, beyond the EU, to promote Ireland's foreign and economic policy objectives and to maintain and develop strong bilateral and multilateral relations. Working closely with other Departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the international section provides me with advice and briefing on international issues, bilateral and multilateral relations. It also supports my engagement with Heads of State and Government and other senior international figures and organisations.

The international section also assists with coordination of relevant whole-of-Government initiatives, such as the Global Ireland 2025 strategy and the sustainable development goals implementation arrangements. It also supported the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with the successful campaign for Ireland's election to the UN Security Council and will work closely with that Department as Ireland prepares to assume its seat from January 2021.

In recent months, the section has contributed to work across Government in relation to Covid-19, notably in monitoring the epidemiological situation, policy responses and practical actions taken by other countries.

The international section co-ordinates my international travel, including bilateral visits and attendance at multilateral engagements such as meetings of the European Council and leaders' summits at the United Nations. International travel is severely restricted at present and I do not expect to undertake international travel in the period ahead other than for meetings that are deemed to be essential to Ireland's interests. If it is decided that meetings of the European Council take place in person, including meetings planned for later this month, October and December, I will attend to represent Ireland, as I did when it met in Brussels in July. While I will be participating in this year's UN General Assembly, the leaders' summit has been recast as a virtual event.

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