Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to mark the international day of non-violence on 2 October 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8715/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland was a co-sponsor of an Indian resolution, adopted in June 2007, at the UN General Assembly, which declared 2 October, the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, the International Day of Non-Violence.

The resolution invites Member States to commemorate the International Day in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.

Ireland has shown great commitment down through the years to pursuing the agenda of non-violence, at both a domestic and an international level. Ireland's strong support for the promotion and protection of human rights, our long tradition of participating in UN-mandated peace operations, our leading role internationally in disarmament and non-proliferation issues, our work in the area of conflict resolution and the work of Irish Aid on combating gender based violence reflect this commitment.

Ireland participated in an event organised by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York, to mark the first International Day on 2 October 2007.

I have asked my officials to liaise with the Indian Government, as the main sponsor of this event, regarding plans for 2 October 2008.