Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will expand on comments made at the ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of Ireland's membership of the United Nations that crucial to UN reform is the need to speed up its decision making process; the specific issues relating to international security to which he was referring; his priorities regarding reform of the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7184/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The context of my remarks related to the need for the UN to be able to respond rapidly to emerging crises, particularly in the context of the development of battle groups. Significant effort is being invested by EU member states to make available two battle groups on standby each semester to undertake rapid response operations in accordance with the Petersberg Tasks. The UN, which is strongly supportive of the development of rapid response elements by the EU, recognises itself the need to be able to bring these instruments into effect quickly as crises evolve. I am satisfied that, where such crises arise, the necessary political will, will be forthcoming to ensure the UN can respond with appropriate speed and determination.