Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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38. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the discussions that are occurring at the United Nations regarding reform in its structures and procedures in the wake of multiple global crises. [48925/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Recent global crises have once again highlighted the need for a reformed UN development system and Security Council. Ireland is making a positive impact across the work of the United Nations and is engaged in seeking reforms, including in support of the UN Secretary General’s efforts, and his vision on the future of global cooperation: ‘Our Common Agenda.’

UN Development System reforms of recent years are having an impact with stronger, more independent Resident Coordinators leading UN Country Teams, supported by coordinated analysis and planning. Ireland has consistently supported these reforms– annually contributing €1 million to the Special-Purpose Trust Fund for the new system and €500,000 to the Joint SDG Fund for accelerating progress towards the SDGs.

The General Assembly considers reform of the Security Council through ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiations. Ireland is active in these and is consistently clear on the need to increase the size of the Security Council; to address geographic under-representation, particularly for Africa; and to see an end to the use of the veto, particularly in cases of atrocity crimes.

There are significant challenges but we continue to push for change. Ireland was part of a core group of States, led by Liechtenstein, which brought the ‘veto initiative’ to the General Assembly in April, where it was adopted by the wider membership.

This now means that, whenever a veto is used, the General Assembly will automatically hold a debate, require the Council to submit a report and invite the Member State which used its veto to make a statement. Ireland supports increased accountability and transparency in Security Council decisions and this is an important new element.

We are pleased that we were able to work together with other States to bring about change and we are already seeing results. Recently Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution condemning the illegal so-called referenda in Ukraine, and will now have to address the General Assembly.