Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 to 33, inclusive, together.

I travelled to New York to attend the UN General Assembly's high-level week. I delivered Ireland's statement at the UN's SDG summit, which highlighted the need to get back on track with reaching the SDGs. Towards that end, leaders adopted the summit political declaration, which Ireland co-facilitated with Qatar.

I also gave Ireland's national statement to the General Assembly on the Friday. In my speech, I highlighted four issues, which were the need for the international community to continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and to hold Russia accountable for its brutal invasion; the vital importance of climate action ahead of COP28; the need to redouble our efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030; and the need for reform of the United Nations so that it better reflects today’s world.

While at the UN, I also participated in several events in the margins, including an event to mark 15 years of the UN LGBTI core group; a reception hosted by the German Chancellor to mark 50 years of German membership of the UN; and a reception hosted by President Biden and the First Lady for leaders attending the General Assembly. I also had various bilateral meetings, including with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who thanked Ireland for its support for the UN. I took the opportunity to recall the case of Private Seán Rooney and the importance of his family knowing the full facts around his tragic death. I also met Moldovan President Maia Sandu and reassured her of Ireland's continued backing for Moldova’s journey towards EU membership. I also had bilateral engagements with the Prime Ministers of Qatar and Samoa.

At the US reception, I had the opportunity for a short conversation with President Biden. The Tánaiste was also in attendance. I updated President Biden on developments in Northern Ireland and on the UK legacy Act, outlining our deep concerns for its implications. I thanked him for his continued interest in the peace process and for his appointment of Joe Kennedy III as economic envoy to Northern Ireland. As always, I found President Biden to be well informed and ready to be of assistance in whatever way he can.

While in New York, my programme included a reception for Irish people in the tech industry and a visit to the Irish Arts Center, during which I announced an additional €2 million to help with its further development. While in the US, I took the opportunity to travel briefly to Miami where I formally opened Ireland’s new consulate and met a number of local political and community leaders.

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