Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 93: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will be attending meetings at the United Nations over the course of 2007; the topics due to be discussed at these upcoming meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3946/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As is customary, Heads of State and of Government and Ministers for Foreign Affairs attend the opening plenary session of the UN General Assembly in September each year. In addition to addressing the Assembly, they have the opportunity to meet bilaterally and with key office holders in the United Nations itself, including with the Secretary General and the President of the General Assembly.

I attended the General Assembly last year and in addition to delivering the national statement on behalf of Ireland, met with the outgoing Secretary General and the new President of the Assembly. I also held a number of bilateral meetings with Ministerial counterparts. I would intend to have similar meetings at this year's opening plenary session.

In advance of that session, I look forward to meeting with the new UN Secretary General, H.E. Ban Ki-Moon, and discussing his vision for the United Nations and, in particular, the reform agenda. I will also raise specific issues of concern to Ireland, including the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, the crisis in Darfur and Ireland's ongoing contribution to UN peace support operation.