Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 29: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the role if any he will play in preparations for Ireland's chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2012; and the role if any he proposes to play in this chairmanship. [7684/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I will hold the position of Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE for the duration of Ireland's Chairmanship of the organisation in 2012. I will bear overall responsibility for the executive action of the OSCE next year and the co-ordination of its activities. Officials in my Department have been actively engaged since the autumn in preparations for our Chairmanship. As part of these preparations, Ireland is participating this year in the OSCE Troika with the current chair of the organisation, Lithuania, and previous chair, Kazakhstan. Weekly Troika meetings take place at OSCE headquarters in Vienna.

I expect to address the organisation's Permanent Council later this year to provide an outline of Ireland's Chairmanship priorities. I refer you to my recent reply to your written question, number 6848/11, which provides full details on the ongoing preparations for our Chairmanship. Ireland was one of the founding States of the OSCE and we have always recognised the organisation's vital role in maintaining peace and security in the Eurasian region. I am honoured to chair the OSCE in 2012 and greatly look forward to the challenges and opportunities of this position.