Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

128. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the role of his Department during Ireland’s membership of the UN Security Council. [20508/21]

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

Ireland took its seat on the UN Security Council on 1 January 2021. It is a great honour for Ireland to have been elected to serve on the Council. We believe it has a vital role to play in preventing and resolving conflict throughout the world, and that Ireland can make a real contribution to that work. We will use our term to work with partners to strengthen conflict prevention, support peacebuilding efforts and to ensure accountability for breach of international law.

While the Minister for Foreign Affairs has responsibility for leading our contribution, Heads of State or Government contribute to periodic debates and at Summit-level events.

I plan to participate in a number of high-level debates in the Security Council during our term-in-office. I also intend to attend the regular UNGA high level week in September. Last year, events during the week moved online. It is hoped that it will be possible for them to take place in person this year, depending on developments relating to Covid19. This year’s meetings will coincide with Ireland’s Presidency of the Security Council during the month of September.

Officials in my department will work closely with their colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs, as necessary.