Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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142. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 67 of 10 May 2018, the progress made regarding discussions in relation to the creation of a UN parliamentary assembly in view of the recent decision at the 42nd Plenary Assembly of the World Federation of United Nations Associations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44757/18]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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143. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if officials in his Department are involved in discussions regarding the creation of a UN parliamentary assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44758/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.

I have taken note of the declaration, adopted last month at the 42nd Plenary Meeting of the World Forum of United Nations Associations in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, calling for the establishment of a UN Parliamentary Association. Ireland remains open-minded on the concept of such an assembly. My Department will consider how best to engage on this proposal as it progresses.

Since joining the United Nations in 1955, Ireland has been strongly committed to the values and principles of the UN Charter.

As a strong supporter of the UN, Ireland continues to advocate, through a range of fora, for reform of the UN’s structures and systems to best equip the organisation to respond to the many and interlinked current global challenges.

Ireland is committed, in this context, to consider proposals seeking to improve the effectiveness of the UN and the contribution it can make to the peace, stability and development of all nations.

I believe that any proposals for a UN Parliamentary Assembly should add value to the multilateral governance system and, importantly, have broad support among the UN membership.