Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
221. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement he has had with Irish representatives at the United Nations, particularly with regard to the conflict and devastation in Gaza, the Middle East and Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15217/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMembership of the United Nations is at the heart of Ireland's foreign policy. Last month in New York I had the opportunity to meet with Irish representatives at the UN. I thanked them for the important work they are doing, often in an challenging environment. I reiterated our unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing illegal aggression. I also took the opportunity to underline the priority Ireland places on ending the conflicts in Gaza and the Middle East, and our continued support for the two-State solution.
In recent months at the UN, Ireland has supported multiple resolutions supporting calls for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon. In December of last year, Ireland co-sponsored two resolutions with the State of Palestine, on the demand for a ceasefire in Gaza, and support for UNRWA. This was informed by our membership of the Group of Friends of UNRWA. I have also recently returned from Lebanon where I saw at first-hand the vital work being done on the ground by UNIFIL and the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving with it.
Since the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, Ireland has co-sponsored and voted for multiple resolutions at the UN condemning Russia's brutal invasion. Most recently, on the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion - February 24th - a resolution on an early and just peace tabled by Ukraine and co-sponsored by Ireland was adopted at the General Assembly. Ireland also supported the amended UNGA Resolution tabled by the United States on a path to peace that does not reward aggression, and is in line with the UN Charter. In an address to the General Assembly, the Minister for Justice called for a peace that respects the UN Charter and spoke to the Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Mariana Betsa, to convey Ireland’s support. Furthermore, Minister O'Callaghan condemned Russia's continuing illegal war of aggression and called for Russia to take accountability for the violations of the orders of the ICJ and resolutions of the General Assembly.
I can assure the Deputy that we will continue to engage on these issues actively at the UN, as elsewhere, and be a strong voice on the need to uphold the values of the UN Charter and international law.
