Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland follows developments in the Pacific closely, including the recent trilateral security deal known as AUKUS. I am also aware of comments made by other regional actors about the deal. The AUKUS announcement identified that the first major initiative will be to develop a nuclear-powered submarine fleet for Australia. It will be important to ensure that no proliferation risk or unhelpful precedents arise from the agreement. I welcome the statement by the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mr. Grossi, that the agency will engage with the three countries concerned in line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with their respective safeguards agreements with the agency.

Stability in the Pacific is important for Ireland from many perspectives, including global trade flows. Ireland is committed to promoting a multilateral, rules-based approach to engagement in the region, anchored in international law. The European Union adopted Council conclusions for co-operation across a broad range of areas in the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign Affairs Council in April, and a joint communication detailing potential regional engagement was issued in September. Ireland contributed to this multifaceted strategy and we welcome it as an opportunity to contribute to the region’s stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development. The strategy, and the EU’s renewed commitment to the region, is inclusive of all partners wishing to co-operate with the EU.

Throughout our term as an elected member of the Security Council, Ireland has been working with all countries and all members to ensure that the council acts effectively. The permanent members of the Security Council have a critical influence in addressing threats to global security, good governance and human rights, and Ireland works with them and with the elected members with a view to achieving positive outcomes from council discussions. Over the next 15 months of Ireland’s Security Council membership, we will continue to work openly and constructively with all partners as a solution-oriented member of the council.

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