Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 304: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the structure of the Centre for Conflict Resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25426/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As is set out in the Programme for Government, the Government are committed to making increased Irish engagement in international conflict resolution an important new dimension of Irish foreign policy, building on our experience of the Northern Ireland peace process, the Irish Aid programme, which already includes support for a range of conflict-related activities, and our strong tradition of peacekeeping.

I have therefore established a Conflict Resolution Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs. Headed by a Counsellor, it is based in the Political Division of the Department, where it will draw from our experience of engagement with the United Nations and the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy. The Unit will work in close co-operation with the Department's Anglo-Irish Division, with Irish Aid, and with relevant Missions overseas.

For the past number of months, the Unit has been engaged in intensive analysis of international experience and best practice in this very complex area and in developing contacts with key players in the United Nations, other international organisations, and relevant experts both governmental and non-governmental. I am also anxious that the Unit work with and further develop Irish expertise both in academic institutions and in civil society. In this regard and in line with the Programme for Government, among the initiatives to which the Unit will give priority will be the establishment of an Irish academic centre for conflict resolution.

The Unit will also work to identify opportunities, particularly in the context of our development co-operation programme, for Ireland to play a concrete role in specific peace-making and peace-building activities. Of their nature, such opportunities are not easily predictable.

Both at home and in my contacts with international partners, including recently with the United Nations Secretary General and senior officials at the UN, there has been a warm welcome for Ireland's commitment to increased engagement in conflict resolution. Of necessity, building up our capacity will be a gradual process. I would like finally to say that I am very appreciative of the wide support for this initiative which has been expressed, including of course in this House.