Brian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 124: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are plans for Ireland to nominate a UN youth delegate to participate in the State's official delegation to the United Nations General Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10746/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The question of nominating a youth delegate to participate in the State's official delegation to the UN General Assembly has been examined by my Department previously. Following consideration of the financial and human resource implications, for the Department and for Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, it was decided that youth delegates would not be included in the official delegation and this remains the position. As a time when public finances are under pressure, it is important that the UN Third Committee, which deals with youth affairs, is serviced effectively and efficiently. While I appreciate the perspective that youth delegates may bring, the priority for the coming years is to ensure adequate staffing by officials with expertise in Third Committee matters.