Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the conflict resolution unit and the work carried out to date. [22167/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to the answer given to PQ 18777 on 3rd July 2007, in which I outlined the rationale for the establishment of the Conflict Resolution Unit and its broad objectives. The programme for Government sets out key goals: the creation of an academic Centre for Conflict Resolution, the establishment of a system of roving Ambassadors to affected regions and the development of an annual €25 million fund to assist conflict resolution in the developing world.

My Department is in the final phase of completing the work programme for the Conflict Resolution Unit.

I also used my address to the United Nations earlier this week to inform the Assembly of the priorities and principles that will guide the work of the Conflict Resolution Unit. Peacemaking, peacebuilding and lesson sharing will be key themes of its work. Human rights and gender and conflict will inform all aspects of its work. Climate change and its potential to generate conflict will be an area of interest. While in New York, I also took the opportunity of briefing senior figures in the United Nations on our plans and the priority we attach to working with the UN and its agencies.

The new Unit has been evolving its policy framework and investigating a range of activities to advance its work in conflict areas and enable Ireland to play a more active and strategic role in international conflict resolution and peace-building. There is already a body of existing activities that can be built on — these include our proud tradition of UN peacekeeping, development cooperation activities arising through Irish Aid's growing programme and its work in our priority countries, and the range of funding already provided to organisations active in conflict resolution internationally.

The Unit's work programme recommendations will seek to capture these activities, build on Ireland's traditional foreign policy values and set out a framework for future activities.