Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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126. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the ten major trouble spots globally; the extent to which Ireland and the EU continue to assist in such situations; the progress achieved to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21470/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Considerable ongoing efforts are being made by Ireland and our EU partners to resolve, and where possible prevent, conflicts using all the available instruments to foster constructive dialogue and to encourage peaceful, negotiated solutions to political differences. There is no general agreement however on the situations which give rise to the greatest concern globally.

Ireland’s approach to engaging with global challenges is set out in The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World. We work to achieve a fairer, more just, more secure and more sustainable world through our development and conflict resolution programmes; our human rights, peacekeeping, disarmament and security policies; and growing engagement with emerging global issues including climate change. The Global Island also sets out how Ireland’s voice and influence can be amplified through engagement with the EU and the UN.

The EU’s Global Strategy sets out a vision for foreign and security policy. The Strategy commits the European Union to promoting peace, prosperity, democracy and the rule of law around the world. This includes efforts to strengthen global governance and cooperative regional orders. For these purposes, the EU is implementing an integrated approach to conflicts and crises drawing on the full array of available instruments including political and diplomatic activities; economic development assistance and trade policies; capacity building for rule of law as well as peace-keeping. Implementation of the Global Strategy is ongoing and is discussed regularly by Ministers at the EU Foreign Affairs Council.