Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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52. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail his position on the future reform of the United Nations General Assembly; his views on whether the European Union delegation to the UN will one day be a full member of the UNGA in its own right, in view of the fact they hold full membership rights in some UN organisations and their relatively recent upgrade to enhanced observer status with speaking rights; his views on whether both member states and the EU itself being member of the UNGA could expose differences and create conflicting positions between Ireland and the EU at the UNGA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28461/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The UN Charter provides the rules for membership of the United Nations General Assembly. Chapter II Article 4 provides that; "Membership in the United Nations is open to all other peace-loving states which accept the obligations contained in the present Charter and, in the judgment of the Organization, are able and willing to carry out these obligations."

The European Union is not a State under the terms of the UN Charter. Accordingly, it would be hypothetical and premature to offer a view on EU membership of the UN General Assembly.

The EU gained enhanced in May 2011 when the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/65/276 upgrading the status of the European Union's participation in the United Nations. This resolution allows EU representatives to present common positions of the Union to the Assembly. European Union Member States coordinate closely to advance common EU positions at the United Nations.

Reform of the United Nations General Assembly is dealt with by the Ad Hoc Working Group on Revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly, with Egypt chairing this group during the 67th session of UNGA. Thematic discussions during the current session will focus inter alia on the role and authority of the General Assembly; its working methods and implementation of its resolutions; the role and responsibility of the Assembly in the selection and appointment of the UN Secretary-General and other executive Heads within the UN system; and the functions of the Office of the President of the General Assembly.

Together with our EU partners, Ireland is committed to reform of the UN General Assembly, including through efforts to strengthen its role and authority, and to enhance the effectiveness of its work. We believe that improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the General Assembly are an essential element of the broader reform effort at the United Nations.