Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 225: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the top 15 priority locations worldwide in which the EU and UN are involved in the prevention of war, genocide, starvation and human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42343/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Preventing war, genocide, starvation and human rights abuses are key priorities for the EU and UN worldwide. Unfortunately, no part of the world is totally free from all of these challenges. It is not the policy or practice of the Government to draw up a 'league table' on such issues. The complexity and specificity of individual country situations would render such an exercise difficult and the outcome would be of limited value. I can assure the Deputy, however, that Ireland is actively engaged in work to address these enormous challenges at both national and international level, with our EU and UN partners.

Tackling war, genocide, starvation and human rights abuses is undoubtedly among the most critical tasks facing the international community in the 21st century. Ireland's active participation in multilateral institutions such as the EU and the UN provides us with an opportunity to voice our concerns, to work to alleviate hardship and suffering and to contribute to the development of a sustainable approach to properly address the root causes of these problems. A comprehensive and inclusive approach to tackling poverty, conflict and security stands the best chance of facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of people. Ireland will, of course, continue to address these challenges bilaterally and through the EU and UN.